Misogynistic ideologies rebrand to bypass social media bans

In recent months, research conducted by Anda Solea and Dr. Lisa Sugiura from the University of Portsmouth has shed light on alarming trends within online communities, particularly those associated with incel ideologies. They have noted that certain TikTok accounts promoting incel beliefs are deliberately rebranding themselves as 'Sub5s,' using language centered around self-improvement to skirt social media bans. This strategy allows them to continue disseminating misogynistic content while appearing more socially acceptable. The study points out that the stigma associated with overt misogyny pushes these communities to disguise their rhetoric under less inflammatory terms. These so-called 'Sub5s' subscribe to the PSL scale, which categorizes men based on their perceived attractiveness, thereby reinforcing harmful stereotypes and hierarchies. Such frameworks contribute to a male-centric worldview that posits women as responsible for men's failures in social and romantic contexts. Reports highlight that as young men become increasingly resistant to feminist narratives, the rebranding of incel ideology poses a risk for normalization and acceptance of misogynist views within younger demographics. The researchers emphasize that these tactics effectively legitimize toxic behaviors and discriminatory attitudes against women by diverting them into more palatable conversations about self-improvement and societal structures. The tension between the need to adhere to community guidelines while possessing deeply entrenched ideologies creates a precarious environment for social media platforms aiming to eliminate hate speech. Despite TikTok's policies prohibiting misogyny, many users still find ways to navigate around these restrictions. As the influence of incel culture continues to proliferate across platforms, it raises significant concerns about the erosion of progressive gender norms. The ongoing challenges presented by the incel community demand prompt and effective moderation strategies by social media companies to safeguard online spaces for all users while simultaneously educating young audiences about the dangers of such ideologies.