The Power of Controversy: How Social Media Helps Radfems Spread the Message

The Power of Controversy: How Social Media Helps Radfems Spread the Message

Did you know that social media platforms like Facebook are specifically designed to build controversy? It sounds nefarious, and in many ways, it is. These companies have one main goal: to keep users engaged for as long as possible, which directly translates into more time spent on their platforms—and more money for them. Whether it’s intentional or not, controversy is a key tool that fuels these algorithms. But what if, instead of merely being something harmful, it can be used as a tool for positive change?

While it may seem troubling that platforms thrive on divisive content, the exposure to controversy can actually be beneficial for movements like feminism. A peaceful, quiet social media environment would likely mean that the status quo goes unchallenged. However, the world needs change, and having access to disruptive and challenging content makes it easier for progressive ideas to spread. Feminist or radical feminist (radfem) views can generate controversy, and this controversy is essential because it brings attention to the issues that need to be addressed.

Of course, this benefit doesn’t come without its problems. The rise of negative, harmful communities, such as the so-called manosphere, has been troubling. These men’s rights groups thrive on misogyny and the belief that men are oppressed by women. But even in this case, the exposure to such content is beneficial. Why? Because it lets women see exactly what men believe. Before social media, these thoughts were hidden or insulated, and women might have assumed that men, in general, had their best interests at heart, with only a few bad apples. Now, thanks to social media, everything is laid bare. Women can see how many views and likes this harmful content gets, and how many men are willing to openly voice their misogynistic beliefs on their public profiles.

While this exposure can be disheartening, it serves an important purpose. Social media allows us to see the depth of male entitlement and oppression in real time. It’s crucial to acknowledge these harmful ideologies so that we can address them head-on. Social media isn’t just a tool for exposing misogyny—it’s one of the best tools radfems have for spreading our message and building our communities.

In fact, social media, especially with how modern algorithms work, has become one of the most necessary tools for activism. Many of us can’t simply shout our radical feminist views to our friends and family without facing resistance or dismissal. Reaching those in our immediate vicinity often requires patience, subtlety, and time. Even then, there’s no guarantee of success. But the power of social media means that we can amplify our voices far beyond our personal circles. Through platforms, we can find others who share our views, build our communities, and grow our impact.

The key takeaway here is: do not fear controversy. Yes, it can be chaotic, but chaos is what drives change. Imagine if everyone just pretended to get along, mimicking a 1950s-style ideal of Christian America, where white men were the center of everything. In that world, there would be no change, no growth, and no progress. Chaos sparks discussion, and discussion is necessary for transformation.

Whether the conversations around radical feminism are positive or negative, the important part is that they bring attention to the cause. As more people engage, more minds are opened. The more we discuss radical feminist content, the more we drive others to discover it and, potentially, adopt it. In this way, controversy becomes not just inevitable, but necessary for pushing feminist ideas into the mainstream. Social media is a powerful tool that can shape the future, and we, as radfems, should embrace its potential to ignite change. ♀