Missing networks on the net: a threat to our society!

Missing networks on the net: a threat to our society!

Berlin, Deutschland - On May 15, 2025, the excellence cluster "Contestations of the Liberal Script (Scripts)" from the Free University of Berlin and the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD Germany) published the pilot study "Mapping the Germanosphere". This comprehensive examination is devoted to the structures, narrative and social effects of misogynistic networks on the Internet, in particular the so -called "manosphere". In these groups, which include the "Incels", "Pick-Up-Artists" and "Men’s Rights Activists", women-fine ideologies are propagated, promote violent fantasies and fundamentally reject feminism and liberal social regulations. According to the study authors, the narratives of these network -like communities are shaped by persistent hatred of women and a supposed masculine crisis.

The study also shows how digital platforms are used to radicalize and spread these ideologies. Prof. Dr. Gülay çağlar, Principal Investigator from Scripts, emphasizes that misery on the Internet is a structural threat to democratic values. These findings underline the need for a holistic approach to combat misogynistic online violence, which includes the regulation of platforms, supporting those affected and improving media literacy.

The mechanisms of the manosphere

In the mannosphere, supposedly harmless advice on dating and relationships are offered, which, however, often aim to manipulate women. Pick-up artists, who are often inspired by personalities like Andrew Tate, recommend that men and women recommend treating them badly to arouse their interest. These networks are decisive for the progress of women's hostile and anti -democratic views and report on an alleged disadvantage of men in society.

The study identifies more than 300 accounts on social media such as YouTube, TikTok and Instagram that actively spread these ideologies. According to Dominik Hammer, one of the authors of the study, the growth of these platforms not only endangers women, but also represents a threat to democratic values. The manosphere rejects fundamental principles such as freedom, equality and participation, such as Corinna Dolezalek, an expert in hatred and extremism on the net.

radicalization through digital content

digital communication has developed into a common everyday element, especially among young people. Extremist actors use the Internet to recruit and spread propaganda. The anonymity and the uncontrolled spread of information make these processes considerably easier. As the Federal Center for Political Education (BPB) explains, the technical developments have established digital forums and interactive platforms that stimulate the exchange and radicalization of individuals.

Although the influence of the Internet differ on radicalization processes among researchers, it often plays a central role at the beginning. However, later phases of radicalization are usually the result of an interaction of online and offline experiences. The spread of extremist content is often via subtle and difficult to recognize methods that focus on emotional address, for example through pictures, videos and memes to address young people.

The problems of hatred of women and the associated ideologies are increasingly discussed in social discourse. The study authors and experts demand that both social actors and political decision -makers take more comprehensive measures to contain the spread of this dangerous narrative and to support women affected by such hate messages.

In summary, the pilot study "Mapping the Germanosphere" illustrates the need to critically look at the digital landscape and to actively counteract the structural threats from misogynistic networks.