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The Manosphere has become a broad umbrella term describing a collection of online communities centered on men's issues, masculinity and gender politics. 

While these communities vary significantly in their beliefs, many researchers say parts of the movement have increasingly embraced anti-feminist and misogynistic rhetoric that has flourished across social media platforms.

Recent incidents in Brazil, along with high-profile criminal cases in the United States, have renewed scrutiny of whether violent online content may contribute to the normalization of aggression toward women.

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What Is the Manosphere?

The manosphere encompasses several online communities, including men's rights activists (MRAs), incels (involuntary celibates), Men Going Their Own Way (MGTOW), pickup artists (PUAs), and some fathers' rights groups. Although these communities often disagree with one another and sometimes publicly criticize each other, they generally share themes emphasizing traditional masculinity and criticism of modern feminism.

Experts caution that it is important to distinguish between lawful discussion of men's issues and smaller extremist factions that promote hostility or violence toward women. Most participants in online men's communities do not engage in criminal behavior, but researchers have warned that some fringe groups have developed increasingly radical rhetoric over the past decade.

Social Media Accelerates the Growth of Manosphere Online Movements

Researchers studying online extremism say platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Reddit, Telegram and X have dramatically increased the visibility of manosphere-related content.

Recommendation algorithms often promote videos that generate strong engagement, allowing controversial creators to reach millions of viewers. Some influencers package misogynistic messages as self-improvement advice, dating guidance or comedy, making the content more accessible to younger audiences.

Studies have found that certain online channels can serve as gateways, gradually introducing viewers to more extreme content over time. Digital media researchers say these communities have expanded internationally, with localized creators adapting similar themes for audiences in countries including Brazil, the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.

Violent Manosphere Trend in Brazil

Brazilian authorities have launched investigations into disturbing social media videos showing men pretending to prepare for violent attacks on women who reject their romantic advances.

Many of the clips depict men punching heavy bags, mimicking stabbing motions or pointing firearms toward cameras while displaying captions suggesting they are "training in case she says no." Although many creators describe the videos as jokes or dating satire, domestic violence advocates argue the trend risks trivializing or encouraging violence against women.

Cybercrime investigators have reportedly requested that TikTok remove the videos while preserving account data as part of their investigation. Officials say copies and variations of the trend have continued appearing across multiple platforms despite moderation efforts.

The Manosphere: Real-Life Violence Fuels Public Concern

The online trend received additional attention after the attempted killing of 20-year-old Alana Rosa in Brazil.

Authorities allege Rosa repeatedly rejected the romantic advances of Luis Felipe Sampaio, who had allegedly been sending her gifts. Prosecutors say the suspect later broke into her home near Rio de Janeiro and stabbed her dozens of times before her mother intervened.

Rosa survived after extensive medical treatment, multiple reconstructive surgeries and time in an induced coma. During court proceedings, her mother expressed concern that the suspect had consumed similar violent online content before the attack.

The case became part of a broader national conversation about violence against women and the influence of extremist online communities.

Rising Concerns About Misogynistic Content

Brazil has experienced increasing concern over gender-based violence in recent years.

Government statistics indicate that more than 1,400 women were killed by men in 2025, exceeding the previous year's total. Researchers have also identified dozens of Brazilian YouTube channels promoting misogynistic rhetoric with a combined audience numbering in the tens of millions.

Experts emphasize that viewing online content alone does not cause violent crime. However, they warn that repeated exposure to material portraying women as inferior or encouraging aggression may reinforce existing extremist beliefs among vulnerable individuals.

Professor Fiona Macaulay of the University of Bradford has argued that some of these movements promote rigid social hierarchies in which women are viewed as subordinate, contributing to an environment where abusive behavior may become normalized.

Idaho Murders Also Renewed Discussion of the Manosphere

Public discussion surrounding online misogynistic communities intensified following the November 13, 2022, murders of four University of Idaho students: Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin.

Authorities charged Bryan Christopher Kohberger, then a doctoral student at Washington State University, with the killings. Some media outlets and online commentators have speculated about whether Kohberger identified with incel ideology, though many aspects of his motivations remain the subject of court proceedings and public debate.

Criminologists caution against drawing direct conclusions about ideology without verified evidence presented in court. Nevertheless, the case prompted renewed discussion about online communities that glorify resentment toward women.

Manosphere Creates Ongoing Debate Over Platform Responsibility

Technology companies continue facing pressure from governments and advocacy organizations to better identify and remove content that promotes violence or criminal behavior.

Critics argue that social media companies must improve moderation systems while preserving legitimate free expression. Others emphasize the need for education, digital literacy, and mental health resources to help prevent online radicalization before it escalates into real-world violence.

As investigations continue, policymakers, researchers and law enforcement agencies around the world remain focused on understanding how extremist online communities evolve—and how to reduce the risk that violent rhetoric crosses into violent action.

Additional Resources

• UN Women

• TikTok Safety Center

• FBI Resources on Violent Extremism

• University of Bradford