In the aftermath of the US election, online harassment directed at women has skyrocketed, with disturbing trends emerging on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok. The phrase “your body, my choice,” originally championed by the feminist movement, has been co-opted by misogynistic influencers, sparking a wave of online abuse targeting women. This surge in online misogyny signals not just a continuation of pre-existing trends, but a more aggressive shift following the election of Donald Trump as president.
The Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD) has reported a dramatic increase in hate speech and harassment targeting women. Phrases like “your body, my choice” and “get back to the kitchen” are becoming more widespread, particularly within the Manosphere, a collection of online spaces where misogyny and anti-feminist sentiments thrive. In this post, we’ll dive into the rise of online harassment, why it’s happening, and the impact it’s having on women both online and in real life.
Why is Online Harassment Toward Women Spiking After the Election?
The recent US election has provided a platform for misogynistic communities to spread hate and target women, emboldened by the outcome. According to ISD, these communities, particularly those in the Manosphere, are using the results as an excuse to ramp up their rhetoric against women’s rights and gender equality.
- The ‘Manosphere’ is a term that refers to a loose network of online communities that foster toxic masculinity, anti-feminist views, and misogyny.
- Many of these communities now feel validated by the election of Donald Trump, seeing his victory as a rejection of reproductive rights and a blow to gender equality.
Key Findings: How Women Are Being Targeted Online
ISD’s research has highlighted alarming trends in online spaces, showing that the online abuse directed at women is not only frequent but also growing at an alarming rate. Here are the key findings from their study:
- “Your body, my choice” – This phrase, originally a rallying cry for the feminist movement advocating for reproductive rights, has been hijacked by alt-right influencers like Nick Fuentes. Fuentes’ use of this phrase saw an incredible 4,600% increase in mentions on November 6, compared to previous weeks.
- Posts promoting the repeal of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote, surged by 663%. These posts represent a disturbing trend of anti-women rhetoric that is gaining traction in the wake of the election.
- The popularisation of these phrases is not just confined to social media platforms like X and TikTok, but has also seeped into real-world environments. Young girls and parents have reported that phrases like “your body, my choice” are being shouted in schools, and even chanted by boys in classrooms.
The Dangerous Co-Opting of Feminist Slogans
The Manosphere’s adoption of the phrase “your body, my choice” is particularly troubling. This phrase has deep historical roots in the women’s rights movement, symbolising a woman’s autonomy over her own body, particularly in relation to abortion rights. Since the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, reproductive rights have been a central issue in the political landscape.
However, Nick Fuentes and others in the alt-right sphere are using this phrase to propagate anti-women narratives, shifting its meaning into a pro-misogyny slogan. This rhetorical manipulation has the potential to undermine the feminist movement and promote ideas that go against women’s rights to make decisions about their own bodies.
Real-World Impact: How Online Harassment is Affecting Women
The rise in online misogyny has spilled over into real-world incidents, as harassment and hostile attitudes toward women begin to manifest in physical spaces.
- Schools and university campuses have become sites of harassment, with young girls reporting incidents where they were targeted by boys who repeated phrases like “your body, my choice” in class.
- Social media bullying has increased dramatically, with women subjected to targeted abuse simply for expressing their opinions or discussing topics like abortion and gender equality.
These incidents point to the growing influence of online hate speech, which often transitions from the digital space into physical environments. The pervasive culture of online misogyny is starting to normalize gender-based discrimination and harassment in everyday life.
The Growing Backlash: Women Fighting Back Online
In response to the recent surge in harassment, some women are calling for a revolt against the growing misogynistic culture, inspired by movements like South Korea’s 4B movement. The 4B movement is a form of protest that advocates for women to stop engaging with men in certain ways, including:
- No sex with men
- No dating men
- No giving birth
- No marriage to men
One X (formerly Twitter) user’s post calling for women in America to join this movement has garnered over 20 million views, showing how women are organizing online to push back against the toxic culture promoted by the Manosphere and its followers.
What’s Being Done to Combat Online Harassment?
The rise of misogynistic harassment online calls for urgent action. Some solutions being considered or already implemented include:
- Stronger moderation on social media platforms: Platforms like TikTok and X are under pressure to take more serious action against hate speech and misogynistic content.
- Online safety laws: Several US states are considering anti-harassment laws that would require social media platforms to do more to protect users from online abuse.
- Public awareness campaigns: Organisations like ISD are working to raise awareness about the growing problem of online harassment and advocate for stronger policies to fight extremism.
Conclusion: A Growing Crisis of Misogyny
The recent surge in online harassment against women in the wake of the US election signals a disturbing shift in online culture. As the Manosphere continues to thrive and spread its misogynistic message, it’s important to recognise the real-world impacts of this hate. Women are facing increased harassment, both online and offline, as misogynistic rhetoric takes centre stage in the political discourse.
We must continue to push for stronger protections for women in both online and offline spaces. This is not just a battle for women’s rights but for the future of gender equality and the safety of women everywhere.
