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A growing wave of online misogyny is driving many young women to abandon or avoid social media platforms altogether, according to a new report by Amnesty International UK. The findings highlight the alarming impact of what the organization calls a "toxic 'bro' culture" that's increasingly shaping digital spaces—especially for Gen Z users.

Political Figures and Influencers Fueling the Problem

Amnesty's survey, which polled over 3,000 people aged 16 to 25 in the UK, reveals a concerning trend: many young people believe that high-profile political figures and influencers are helping normalize and spread sexist and divisive language online.

Key figures identified include:

Overall, 61% of Gen Z respondents believe that statements and actions by political leaders have worsened the tone of online discourse, especially around gender.

Mental Health Impact and Platform Exodus

The toxic content isn't just frustrating—it's harmful. More than a third of respondents (37%) said that encountering misogynistic material online has negatively impacted their mental health. The effect is more pronounced among women (44%) compared to men (28%).

Even more worrying is that 1 in 5 Gen Z women say they've left or avoided certain platforms entirely because of sexist abuse. Among the platforms most frequently mentioned:

Voices of Concern: From Activists to Sports Leaders

The Amnesty report coincides with comments made by former England football manager Gareth Southgate, who warned about the rise of "callous, manipulative, and toxic influencers." In his Dimbleby Lecture, Southgate spoke about young men withdrawing into the digital world, where misleading voices fill the "void" left by declining real-world mentorship.

He cautioned that many boys are being taught that success is measured in dominance and materialism, reinforcing harmful views about women and relationships.

Perception Gap Between Young Men and Women

The study also highlighted a gender gap in how young people perceive online misogyny. While 71% of women believe this reflects broader societal attitudes, only 51% of men agree—suggesting a disconnect in how each group experiences or acknowledges the issue.

Amnesty's Call to Action

Chiara Capraro, from Amnesty International UK, described the findings as "deeply troubling" and urged tech companies to take real responsibility for making digital spaces safer.

"Right now, platforms prioritize profit over user safety. This toxic content is more than just offensive—it causes real harm in the real world," she said.

Capraro stressed that online misogyny must be treated seriously, not just as a digital issue, but as one with tangible effects on mental health, equality, and public discourse.

Final Thoughts

As more young people navigate their lives online, the digital landscape they inhabit needs to be safe, respectful, and inclusive. The challenge now lies with tech companies, governments, and civil society to confront toxic online culture head-on—before more young people feel they have no choice but to log off for good.