Online misogyny and its impact on girls

Online misogyny is a growing global crisis. It is silencing girls and women while fuelling gender inequality. Online life is a huge source of happiness for many girls and young women. They have a right to be online and enjoy being online. Yet digital spaces are often unsafe. They can create, amplify, and worsen harassment, abuse, and harmful ideas, which can often spill over into physical harm. This undermines girls’ rights. It limits girls' opportunities to thrive.
 

What is online misogyny?

Online misogyny is the spread of hate, hostility, or discrimination against women and girls on the internet. It is a manifestation of offline misogynistic views and behaviours that stem from unequal power dynamics. They are reinforced by social norms and attitudes that discriminate and marginalise women and girls.
 

The different forms of online abuse

Online abuse comes in many forms. It includes cyber-stalking, harassment, threats, and doxxing. Doxxing is sharing someone's private information, like where they live or work, on the internet. It is typically done with bad intent. Other forms of online abuse are trolling, sexist memes and hate speech. Or sharing images or videos without consent. Creating images with AI that can be used maliciously also counts. Online abuse also includes comments that appear on social media, forums, or gaming platforms.

Gender interacts with other identities like sexuality, gender identity, disability, and ethnicity. This creates unique experiences of online abuse. Such abuse is often driven by misogyny and linked to broader inequalities and prejudices. For example, ‘online misogynoir’ refers to the mix of anti-Black racism and misogyny faced by Black women and girls. Another example is deliberate misgendering. This is where someone uses a word or pronoun that does not reflect someone’s gender identity.
 

Global statistics and the true scale of the issue

Online misogyny is common worldwide, but it often goes unreported. Plan International’s State of the World’s Girls 2020: Free to be online? report, showed that 58% of girls and young women (aged 15-25) across 31 countries had faced online harassment or abuse.

The report surveyed over 14,000 girls and young women around the world. Within that number, 50% said they face more online harassment than street harassment. About 1 in 4 girls who had been harassed online, felt physically unsafe. The online abuse girls face is like the discrimination they face with offline. In some cases, this abuse even follows them home.  

Plan International’s State of Girls Rights report 2024 surveyed 2,963 girls and young women aged 12 to 21 in the UK. This report found that only 9% of girls and young women say they feel completely safe online.  

The root causes of online misogyny

Online misogyny happens because of historic, systemic attitudes towards women and girls. It also spreads easily due to how the internet works. It stems from sexism and the belief that women aren’t equal to men. That women should stay subservient and uphold traditional roles, like caregivers and homemakers.

The internet amplifies these attitudes and beliefs by allowing people to stay anonymous. It shields those spreading misogyny from any consequences. Social media algorithms reward this misogynistic rhetoric. They amplify outrage, which makes abusive content easier to see.  

Online misogyny against women and girls varies greatly. It reflects the different and intersecting types of abuse and discrimination they face in offline situations. It is not only sexism that determines girls' experiences of life. Racism is also a driver of harassment. As is identifying as LGBTQ+ . Or having a disability, among other characteristics. 
 

How patriarchy and gender inequality fuels online hate

Patriarchy and gender inequality fuels digital hate. They normalise male dominance and devalue women and girls. When society sees women and girls as ‘less than’ men and boys, online spaces mirror and amplify these views.

This belief in male superiority creates a culture where online harassment is seen as acceptable. This includes threats, and misogynistic jokes and memes. Anti-feminist rhetoric is often seen as justified. Social media algorithms then help spread abusive content to larger audiences. The result is targeted abuse. Especially toward women who actively speak out against traditional roles. The spread of hate becomes socially reinforced rather than challenged. This online hate is fuelling misogyny.  

Could we simplify the language here: Online hate isn’t just caused by sexism. It’s linked to other forms of discrimination too. This includes judging people by their race, wealth, sexuality, background, disabilities, or the lasting effects of colonialism. 
 

How boys are fed misogyny online

Boys are fed misogyny online through a mix of algorithms, influencers, and peer culture. Social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram often push sensational or “edgy” content. Algorithms will show videos to children and young people who have never been exposed to these themes. If a boy clicks on a sexist or anti-feminist video, the algorithm might suggest more extreme ones. This can lead him towards harmful ideology.

Online influencers, such as Andrew Tate, glamourise dominance over women. They frame it as a strength or success. In gaming spaces, online forums, or group chats, sexist jokes and slurs are common. Repetition makes them feel normal and accepted. Misogynistic groups give boys a place to belong and a reason for their struggles. They often blame women for these. Without positive role models, education, or counter-speech, boys might take these messages as facts. This can cause them to develop more hostile attitudes towards women over time. It may also lead to acts of violence.  

Online misogynistic content doesn’t exist in isolation. It reflects patriarchy and negative social attitudes we see offline. When offline policies reinforce these beliefs—like gender pay gaps and unequal care work— it helps boys to normalise this view of women as 'lesser' than men.
 

What research says about how social media algorithms work

Social media algorithms are designed to maximise user engagement. They recommend content that matches what users like and how they behave. Algorithms look at user interactions, likes, shares, and comments. They predict and show content that keeps users engaged on the platform.

This approach improves the user’s experience by personalising content. However, it can also amplify extreme or sensational material, including misogynistic content. A study of TikTok by teams from University College London and the University of Kent found that its algorithms can create feedback loops [1]. This means users see more extreme content over time. As a result, their existing biases are reinforced, which may contribute to radicalisation. 

The devastating impacts of online misogyny

Online misogyny has led to serious real-world consequences for women and girls. It has affected their safety, mental health, and freedom of expression.

Amnesty International UK's report reveals that 44% of Gen Z women in the UK have faced online misogyny [2]. In response, 55% have blocked users. Worryingly, 44% of people said they felt negative mental health effects from such content. Many of the women polled have adjusted their online behaviour. They have made their social media accounts private or actively avoided certain topics.

In 2025, Ofcom released a report about the experiences of online hate and abuse among women in politics in the UK [3]. It found that messages the female MPs received were rooted in misogyny. Messaged regularly included rape and death threats. The participants shared that online hate and abuse are an everyday occurrence. They get triggered by actions they take that are just a standard part of their job, like speaking out on an issue.

Online misogyny can lead to real world violence. Research from Women's Aid showed that children exposed to "misogynistic social media content were almost five times more likely than those not exposed to think it’s ok to physically hurt someone if you say sorry afterwards."[4]

These examples highlight the urgent need for stronger enforcement of current laws. We also need better ways to tackle online misogyny on social media platforms. 
 

Silencing girls’ voices in public life

Online misogyny silences girls’ voices by creating fear and self-censorship. Harassment, threats, and abusive comments make girls scared to speak publicly, post online, or join debates. When they see that women in politics, activism, or the media often face targeted online attacks, it discourages them to post online. Repeated exposure to misogynistic content normalises hostility. This can make girls doubt their worth in society. When the views, values and beliefs of women and girls are underrepresented, they are less likely to speak out publicly. Society loses diverse voices and ideas as a result. Girls have a right to be in these online spaces. 
 

How online hate impacts mental health and well-being

Being exposed to, or being the victim of, online hate seriously harms mental health and well-being. Experiencing harassment, threats, or sexualised abuse can cause anxiety, depression, stress, and fear. Repeated attacks may lower self-esteem and create self-doubt. It can lead to people withdrawing from online spaces or even public life.

Young women facing online hate may see disruptions in their education, friendships, and personal growth. Online hate goes beyond mental health. It limits freedom of expression and makes girls and women feel unsafe or undervalued. Overall, it silences voices and limits participation in society. This reinforces a culture where women’s safety and confidence are constantly threatened.

Misogynistic content doesn’t just harm girls and women. It harms boys and people of all genders. In a UK survey, 66% of 11–14-year-old boys reported that viewing misogynistic content online made them feel worried, sad or scared [5].

The link between online harassment and real-world violence

Online harassment and real-world violence are closely connected. Online abuse can escalate into physical threats or attacks. Online spaces let abusers cyberstalk, intimidate, or target women. They use personal information to find or threaten them in real life.

Misogynistic content also normalises hostility toward women, making aggressive behaviour feel justified. A 2022 UNESCO study found that online violence against women journalists in the UK is often tied to populist politics and divisive debates. The COVID-19 pandemic further intensified the problem. The report alarmingly showed a strong link between online abuse and real-world attacks. The link was particularly strong for stalking.

Online abuse can create fear, even without physical violence. This fear limits women's movement, social interaction, and public participation. It fosters a climate of intimidation.
 

What is the role of technology companies and governments in tackling online hate?

Technology companies and governments both play critical roles in tackling online hate. They must work together to shape the safety, fairness, and inclusivity of online spaces. Whilst they must work together, they have different responsibilities.

Technology companies are responsible for:

• Moderation and enforcement: implementing policies to detect, remove, or limit abusive content.
• Algorithmic accountability: designing systems that do not amplify hate or harassment.
• Reporting tools: making it easy for users to report abuse and receive timely responses.
• Education and awareness: promoting digital literacy and safe online practices. 

Governments are responsible for:

• Legislation and regulation: creating laws that criminalise online abuse and protect vulnerable groups.
• Enforcement: making sure that perpetrators of online abuse are held accountable. Both through the police and legal systems.
• Oversight and standards: monitoring platforms to ensure compliance and regulation. 
   

Community-led resistance and activism

There are many strong examples of community-led resistance and activism against online misogyny. These movements often rise in response to online harassment, abuse, and gender-based violence. Here are some UK examples.

• Fix the Glitch is a community-driven campaign by UK charity Glitch. It raises awareness of online abuse, particularly against Black women, Black gender-expansive people and marginalised groups. They provide workshops on digital citizenship, reporting, and platform accountability.
• The Everyday Sexism Project, founded by Laura Bates, invited women to share their experiences of sexism, including online abuse. By crowdsourcing testimonies, it created collective solidarity. It made misogyny visible in a way that couldn’t be dismissed as “isolated incidents.” 
   

Empowering the next generation with digital literacy

We can help the next generation gain digital skills by teaching them to critically assess online content. To recognise misinformation, disinformation, and bias, and understand how algorithms work. Learn to spot harmful or manipulative content and promote safe online behaviour. Empathy and respectful discussion can help them navigate digital spaces responsibly. Guiding discussions on real-world online challenges builds confidence. It also helps them make informed choices about their online behaviour. All of this needs to be coupled with relationships, sex and health education that tackles the root cause of misogyny. 
 

What can the parents and caregivers of boys do?

Parents can help boys avoid becoming caught up or involved in online hate. They should talk openly about what they see online, including sexist or violent content. Encouraging questions is important too.

Boys should be taught to think critically about posts, videos, and memes. Along with how to spot bias and extreme messages.

Parents, and especially male family members and caregivers, should model respect and empathy to all women, both online and offline. Age-appropriate limits should be set on harmful websites or forums. Boys should be guided towards positive communities that promote teamwork and respect. Encourage open talks about gender equality and consent. Discuss the harm of stereotypes and encourage boys to treat everyone fairly. A combination of guidance, education, and example is key. Through these, parents can reduce the risk of boys joining incels. They can also reduce the chance of boys supporting or taking part in online hate.
 

How Plan International UK is fighting for a safer digital world

Plan International has several initiatives that are helping to make digital spaces safer for girls. One of which is, Building Digital Resilience. It is helping girls’ voices be heard by policy and decision makers.

With CNN As Equals, we listened to young women and girls about the harms they face online. They spoke about the way they protect themselves. And how tech companies, governments, local communities, and families should play their part in keeping them safe. 

Online misogyny FAQs

Here are two frequently asked questions about online misogyny. 

How does misogynist content radicalise boys?

Misogynist content, whether online or offline, can make boys feel that anger or resentment towards women is normal. When a user watches a sexist video or one that mocks women, social media algorithms show more of that type. Or even more extreme content, which can make boys more likely to adopt these views.

Online influencers, friends, or peers might make controlling women seem “cool” or a mark of success. They often present women as ‘threats to manhood’. Over time, casual exposure can grow into hostility or support for abuse. This raises the risk of online harassment or even real-world aggression.  

What can be done to prevent online misogyny?

Preventing online misogyny requires collective action. Platforms, tech companies, governments, communities, and individuals must all work together. Platforms need to enforce strong anti-harassment policies. They need to improve reporting systems and design safer features to reduce abuse. User safety and rights must be central to platforms, from the initial idea to broader access.

Governments should strengthen and enforce laws against online hate and harassment. They need to hold tech companies accountable and promote digital literacy. A curriculum that seeks to tackle the root causes of misogyny is also needed.

Communities and civil society can advocate for their rights and  build support networks. They can call for tech platforms and Government to be held accountable. Communities and civil society can challenge harmful gender norms, and encourage challenging gender stereotypes. At an individual level, people can practice and model respectful online behaviour. They should report abuse when they see it, and support those who are targets of abuse. Together, these efforts create a safer and more inclusive digital environment for everyone. 

References

[1] The Guardian - Social media algorithms amplifying misogynistic content

[2] Amnesty International - Toxic Tech: How Misogyny is Shaping Gen Z’s Online Experience

[3] Ofcom - Experiences of online hate and abuse among women in politics

[4] Women’s Aid - How will the next generation understand domestic abuse

[5] ACAMH - Adolescence at Risk: Online Misogyny, Mental Health, and the Urgent Need for Action