Inside the Muslim Manosphere Policing Women Online
The article explores the rise of the 'Muslim manosphere,' a digital subculture that uses religious rhetoric to promote misogynistic ideologies and harass women online. It highlights the psychological toll this harassment takes on women who maintain a visible presence on social media.
Why it matters
Understanding the intersection of religious extremism and digital misogyny is critical for addressing online safety and the radicalization of young men.
“Being the admin of this group has subjected me to all kinds of harassment,” says Miriam, who asked to be identified only by her first name because she fears online retaliation. They “either want to advise you to be holy and cover up, or they want to sexually harass you—or both.”
Mariam has run the group for more than a year. And even though intended for women, the group’s size and visibility has meant that Miriam also gets a lot of messages from men. She has received a deluge of unsolicited messages telling her how to dress, not to raise her voice or wear makeup, and to cover her hands with gloves so that no skin is visible.
“I couldn’t take it any longer. It was starting to affect my mental well-being,” Miriam says.
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