Here’s the translation into American English:
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A growing network of online communities, known as the manosphere, is becoming a significant threat to gender equality, warns UN Women. With over 5.5 billion people connected to the internet and active on social media, digital environments have become influential platforms in shaping attitudes, behaviors, and policies in the real world.
The manosphere, which was once found in marginal forums, has extended its influence to spaces such as schools and workplaces, altering interpersonal dynamics. Kalliopi Mingeirou, head of the UN Women’s section for Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, indicates that an increasing number of young men are seeking guidance in these virtual communities on topics like dating and fatherhood. However, many of them end up encountering narratives that distort the idea of masculinity and promote misogyny.
The situation is alarming; it is estimated that two-thirds of young men regularly consume content that promotes a sexist ideology. Although in some cases these communities provide a form of support, the prevailing narratives portray men as victims of feminism while discrediting the movement by describing women as manipulative or dangerous.
Social media algorithms have amplified these ideas, prioritizing provocative content that fuels sexist discourse. Mingeirou warns that anonymity on these platforms facilitates the spread of harmful messages, severely impacting the well-being of women and girls and posing a “serious risk to democracy.”
The repercussions of this influence extend beyond the digital realm; misogynistic ideologies tend to filter into culture and politics, trivializing gender-based violence and perpetuating harmful stereotypes. In extreme cases, these ideologies can merge with other forms of radicalization, such as racism and homophobia, turning online misogyny into a tangible threat in everyday life.
UN Women emphasizes that the rise of digital misogyny jeopardizes progress in gender equality. In response to this crisis, the organization is intensifying its commitment to address toxic digital environments, which includes researching online hate, advocating for safe digital regulation, supporting those who have experienced online abuse, and launching educational campaigns against toxic masculinity.
Education is presented as a crucial tool for dismantling the foundations of this misogynistic ideology. Talking to children and adolescents about gender equality and healthy relationships is essential for preventing the internalization of harmful attitudes. According to Mingeirou, the goal is not only to protect girls but also to create an environment where all young people can grow free from detrimental gender expectations.
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via: MiMub in Spanish
