The cost of anger: Gender and collective violence in technology

#NotMyFandom: The gendered nature of a misogynistic backlash in science fiction fandom

“…I agree with Farrell et al's (2019) contention that violent language (regardless of the harasser's intent) is no less 'real' or insignificant to the recipient simply because it takes place online. Likewise, Drakett and Kenny (2018) contend that the distinction between online space and 'real life' is arbitrary, and the notion online behaviour is consequence-free is problematic as it neglects the real life impact the behaviour has on the recipient.…”

“…There have been criticisms made by feminists (e.g. Drakett & Kenny, 2018;Stanfill, 2020) about how commentators and fans alike tend to minimise or deny the inherently gendered nature of online interactions. In media studies, the term 'anti-fandom' refers to individuals who actively and vocally dislike a specific text (Gray, 2005).…”

“…I believe that feminist psychology is well placed to not only critique how gender and power are operating in and through the manosphere, but also how this misogynistic backlash is informed by the current socio-political environment and is networked in nature. I join Drakett and Kenny (2018) in their call for a collective response to collective hate. We must not only challenge hate in fandom spaces, but also 'lone wolf' rhetoric and critique the promotion of personalised solutions placing the onus of responsibility on individual women to manage their responses to abuse.…”