When Hate Becomes Viral: The Alarming Rise of Online Misogyny

In the age of social media, words travel fast. And while the internet was once hailed as a space for connection and awareness, it is now becoming a breeding ground for unchecked hate—especially against women. One deeply concerning trend is the rise of self-proclaimed “opinion leaders” who are using their platforms to normalize misogyny, belittle women’s rights, and glorify toxic cultural narratives.

Recently, I came across two disturbing posts that are sadly not isolated incidents, but part of a growing pattern. One post described a live-in relationship where a man walked away after five years, claiming his family wouldn't approve of the woman because she "wasn't from his culture." Instead of addressing the emotional and legal aspects of such abandonment, the post took a sinister turn. The author used the situation to label all modern women as "characterless" and called for the stripping of their rights. Shockingly, the post was met not with outrage—but applause. Middle-aged men and women, many of whom likely hold positions of influence in their families and communities, rallied in support. Some even went further, attacking the girl's family, using language so vile it defies decency.

In another post, a user advocated for marrying off girls at 18—not to protect their rights, but to deny them the freedom to make choices as adults. The implication was clear: prevent girls from thinking for themselves, from choosing their paths, from asserting their independence.

These are not just words. These posts and the thousands of comments they inspire are shaping mindsets, influencing households, and sowing seeds of hatred. They erode the hard-earned progress we’ve made toward gender equality and embolden regressive ideologies that silence, shame, and subjugate women.

What is even more alarming is how these voices are being amplified. A columnist in a regional newspaper consistently writes in favor of such views—painting women as "too free," "too demanding," or "against tradition." His words are celebrated not for their insight but for reaffirming the biases of those who fear change.

We cannot afford to stay silent. These narratives are not harmless opinions; they are dangerous propaganda. They legitimize abuse, encourage discrimination, and deepen the divide between genders. They convince young girls that their dreams are secondary, that their voices are disruptive, and that their choices are punishable.

It is time for the system—social media platforms, regulatory bodies, civil society, and responsible media—to step in. Platforms must monitor and act against hate speech, especially when it targets vulnerable groups. Newspapers and magazines must be held accountable for spreading content that reinforces misogyny. And as individuals, we must counter these narratives by amplifying stories of respect, equality, and justice.

This is not about one man, one post, or one columnist. This is about the future of a society where every girl should grow up knowing her worth is not decided by the insecurities of others.

We owe it to our daughters, our sisters, and the generations to come to build a society where women are safe—not just from violence, but from hatred disguised as tradition.

In the recent tragic case of Sonam Raghuvanshi, no one questioned the deeply problematic tradition of marrying daughters to complete strangers—often through online platforms—against their will. The silence is deafening.

On the very same day, another horrific crime occurred: a man beheaded a woman and walked through the streets with her head in his hand. And yet, the outrage was missing. Because violent men have, sadly, become normalised in our society.

But Sonam's story? It was amplified in a way that portrayed all modern girls / women as a threat!