From Trolling to Death Threats: Why Social Media Is Especially Cruel to Women

Women face significantly more backlash and sexism online compared to men or male influencers. These days, simply existing on social media has become a risky experience for many women. If we compare who gets targeted the most online between men and women, the answer is clear — women bear the brunt of online hate.

Because social media platforms allow anonymity, users often feel empowered to leave the most hateful comments on even the most ordinary posts shared by women. Increasingly, social media appears to be a weapon used by incels and misogynists to degrade women and spread regressive ideas. The double standards are obvious: male influencers rarely receive threats or violent comments for posting a normal shirtless photo, while women are harshly judged for far less.

Why Are Women Hated the Most Online?

Even before social media existed, society imposed strict rules about what an “ideal woman” should be like. Being submissive, wearing “appropriate” clothing, managing household responsibilities, and being judged on sexual history were often seen as markers of social acceptance.

Although feminism has helped improve conditions for women, we still have a long way to go — and social media reflects that reality. When conservative men or women encounter someone online who does not conform to these outdated ideals, they often resort to derogatory labels and moral policing.

Today, it has become disturbingly common for women to receive death and rape threats online. A need for control, fragile egos, and unchecked entitlement are major factors behind this hate. Fake accounts make it easier for people to hide their identities and direct abuse at female influencers and women in general.

Some individuals go further by creating videos or podcasts that define how a so-called “high-value woman” should behave. Such content is deeply regressive and can be harmful, especially when it influences young and impressionable audiences.

What Needs To Change?

While men also face trolling online, the difference lies in the nature of abuse. A clear example is influencer Apoorva Makhija (The Rebel Kid) during the India’s Got Latent controversy. While male participants faced criticism, Apoorva was subjected to intense character assassination and personal attacks.

Similarly, when Dhanashree Verma announced her separation from cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal, her comment sections were flooded with accusations, name-calling, and labels such as “gold digger.” Both men and women participated in this shaming, often ignoring the mental health impact of such attacks.

This raises an important conversation about accountability and empathy online.

Change must begin at the core — with people’s mindset. Stronger action is also needed against users who send threatening comments or messages to public figures. One trend creating a small but positive shift is women exposing abusers by sharing screenshots, usernames, or reporting them publicly.

The most painful aspect of online harassment is when women shame other women. That betrayal hurts deeply.

Looking at the current scenario, combating online misogyny feels difficult, and hope remains the strongest driving force.
Do you think online hate against women will ever be wiped out? Share your thoughts below.