Recent criminology research highlights a troubling trend on TikTok, revealing pervasive misogyny and disdain for women through degrading meme videos. Conducted by experts from the University of Montreal, the study analyzed 953 videos, uncovering instances of humiliation and rejection. The rise of “sigma” culture, promoting traditional masculine ideals that demean women, further exacerbates the issue. Examples of toxic humor include scenarios where women are belittled or ignored, reflecting a disturbing regression in gender equality within the platform’s content.
Understanding the Dark Side of TikTok: Misogyny and Degradation
Recent research conducted by criminology experts has uncovered a disturbing trend on the social media platform TikTok, revealing widespread misogyny, disdain, and even animosity towards women. Samuel Tanner, the director of the School of Criminology at the University of Montreal, alongside his doctoral student François Gillardin, expressed their astonishment at the prevalence of degrading “meme” videos circulating on the platform. Their study, published in the journal Social Media + Society, involved analyzing 953 videos from a dedicated TikTok account, aimed at uncovering the nature of content prevalent on this social network.
The researchers meticulously categorized the videos based on various criteria, including indifference, rejection, humiliation, and hatred towards women. Although only five out of the 195 videos they analyzed contained overtly hateful content, Tanner warns that these instances are merely “the tip of the iceberg.” Alarmingly, 40 videos depicted women in a humiliating light, while many others simply expressed rejection or disdain.
The Rise of ‘Sigma’ Culture and Its Impact
In both Quebec and across the globe, there has been a notable surge in the men’s rights movement, fueled in part by influencers promoting conservative ideals. A popular term on TikTok, “sigma,” describes individuals who exist outside societal norms, often embodying traditional masculine values that view women as inferior or secondary. This new archetype of the “alpha male” is portrayed as wealthy, obsessed with luxury, and dedicated to maintaining an ideal physique through rigorous gym sessions. The proliferation of videos tagged with this keyword has garnered millions of views, with some clips masking their contempt under the guise of humor, while others overtly demean women and sexual minorities.
Mr. Gillardin noted that within minutes of launching their TikTok account, they were bombarded with memes showcasing women in unflattering scenarios. This trend highlights a troubling regression in the egalitarian principles that many believed were firmly established in various Western societies. Tanner stresses the importance of vigilance in navigating the digital landscape: “While banning TikTok for young users is a solution being considered, it’s crucial for society to remain aware and proactive in addressing these issues.”
Examples of Misogynistic Humor on TikTok
Several examples illustrate the degrading content directed at women on TikTok. In one video, a man hands a rose to a young woman sitting with friends but snatches it back without a second glance as he ties his shoe. Tanner comments, “While there may be an element of playful humor in these clips, women are rarely portrayed as central figures.” In another instance, a man engrossed in his video game ignores his partner’s attempts to engage, ultimately slamming a door in her face as he returns to his game.
The character Patrick Bateman from the film American Psycho (2000) serves as a prime example of the “sigma culture,” representing a self-sufficient, detached, and misogynistic persona that thrives in a capitalist environment where male dominance prevails. Many scenes from this film have made their way onto TikTok, perpetuating these harmful ideals. Another popular clip encapsulates this toxic humor with the line: “When a woman asks me what my favorite position is, I reply: CEO.”