{
  "id": 7313067,
  "title": "Algorithm opt-outs may curb manosphere reach, but not misogyny driving it",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/algorithm-opt-outs-may-curb-manosphere-reach-but-not-misogyny-driving",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-14T12:20:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Phys.org",
    "slug": "phys-org",
    "url": "https://phys.org/news/2026-09-algorithm-opt-outs-curb-manosphere.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Australian government has introduced new legislation to tackle harmful content on digital platforms, including an opt-out model that would allow users to have their feeds revert to a timeline-based setting. This move is part of broader digital duty of care legislation aimed at holding tech companies responsible for protecting users from abusive and harmful content. The proposal has been welcomed as a positive step, especially given the growing evidence about the negative impacts of manosphere content, which is contributing to harmful attitudes and beliefs about gender roles, women, and violence among Australian adolescents.\n\nHowever, while the opt-out feature may help reduce the amplification of manosphere content, it is unlikely to be utilized by those seeking it. The core issue lies in the underlying misogyny that the manosphere capitalizes on, rather than the algorithms themselves. Misogyny has been a persistent feature in many societies for millennia, deeply ingrained in institutions such as legal systems, medicine, and education. Despite efforts towards gender equality, misogyny continues to persist, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive approach.\n\nCurrent explanations for misogyny among some boys and men, such as poor mental health, loneliness, and unmet needs, do not adequately address the historical and ongoing presence of misogynistic beliefs. Furthermore, the promotion of grievances related to economic concerns, job prospects, and other future worries by manosphere creators does not justify misogyny. It is crucial to examine why violence against women and girls remains an appealing choice and hold men and boys accountable for their actions.\n\nWhile regulation of harmful content is a step forward, it is insufficient on its own to prevent violence against girls and women. Support for recovery and healing must also be provided. Regulating harmful content is important, but it is only one part of the solution. To effectively dismantle misogynistic ideas, intervention must occur before these ideas take hold, ideally through early childhood education. High-quality, sustained education has proven to be an effective preventive measure, but it requires comprehensive and ongoing investment.\n\nRespectful Relationships Education, implemented across schools in Australia, is a promising approach to addressing violence against women. However, proper resources and support are necessary for schools to effectively carry out this work. Additionally, more resources are needed for parents escaping violent partners, including all-of-family programs that focus on perpetrator accountability and victim-survivor recovery and healing. It is not fair or realistic to expect traumatized parents, often single mothers, to manage their own recovery while also supporting their children, especially when resources remain severely underfunded.",
  "summary": "The federal government recently announced a suite of new laws designed to address harmful content on digital platforms.",
  "key_points": [
    "Australian government introduces opt-out legislation for digital platforms.",
    "Manosphere content fuels harmful gender attitudes among Australian youth.",
    "Misogyny deeply rooted in institutions, not just algorithms."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}