Online misogyny is being driven by people making money “hand over fist” from it, a leading expert in disinformation has claimed. 

A recent report by DCU found that platforms like YouTube Shorts and TikTok are “bombarding” young men with content that amplifies “misogynistic and male supremacist” messages. 

Speaking on The Pat Kenny Show, author David Robert Grimes said many young men are drawn to the simplicity of online misogyny.

“We have to [think] what are the motivations behind the people that spread this stuff?

“They’re taking sometimes disenfranchised or scared young men who are quite vulnerable to influence and they are selling them a fantasy but [it’s] one that victimises women and says, ‘These women are to blame, they’re not people, they’re essentially targets.’ 

“And that’s a really negative thing to be putting out there but it takes all their problems and simplifies it. 

“If you can make someone an enemy or a scapegoat, it’s much easier then to dehumanise them and that’s a real problem that we’re starting to see.” 

Image via Pixabay

Dr Grimes said online influencers are “making money hand over fist to some degree” from their disinformation and the damage can be very long lasting. 

“It’s unfortunate they’re exploiting a very naive younger generation who maybe don't have that much experience,” he said. 

“The problem is that it leaves a long lasting footprint; if you dehumanise people - or an entire gender - you’re creating problems that will perpetuate for a very, very long time.”

Women 'less drawn' to sexist content

Also on the show, psychologist Dr Anne Keogh said many girls and young women are viewing the content as well. 

“They may be less drawn to it but it teaches them about their role in these relationships and dynamics,” she said.  

“So, young women are often not sure of their role either; so... if you’re 15, this is telling you that’s how you should be and that’s how you’re going to appeal to the men or boys in your space, then it’s very complicated. 

“Thankfully, there are real life examples of women and young girls not delivering those messages.”