Sexual violence concepts launched online are spilling into the real world – harming women and young men and overwhelming counselors

Spurred by #MeToo backlash and post-COVID loneliness, online influencers have built social media networks that give young men and boys a sense of belonging through promulgating misogyny.

By: Morgan E. PettyJohn, University of Texas at Arlington; Jacob Nason, Michigan State University, and Kyla Cary, Illinois State University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: October 16, 2026

Words: 1,611

Last Updated: 15 hours, 24 minutes ago

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By Morgan E. PettyJohn, University of Texas at Arlington; Jacob Nason, Michigan State University, and Kyla Cary, Illinois State University

Andrew Tate, a self-described misogynist and an online influencer with millions of followers, faces charges in several countries of allegedly causing physical harm, including rape and sex-trafficking women and girls.

Tate is a prominent figure in the manosphere, a loosely connected network of online forums and sites united by beliefs in male …

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