A Fine Gael TD has said the Government and Coimisiún na Meán need to regulate “toxic masculinity” online.
In a press release issued by Fine Gael, Kildare North TD Joe Neville said stronger online safety measures and a “whole of society approach” are necessary to combat the issue, following what he described as “the worst of toxic masculinity” being displayed by UFC star Conor McGregor on St Patrick’s Day.
“This St Patrick’s Day we saw the worst of toxic masculinity on display in Conor McGregor being invited to speak on the world stage,” Neville said.
Notably, McGregor’s White House comments, in which he condemned Ireland’s existing immigration policy, has accrued over 72.6 million views since Monday this week.
Neville expressed concerns about the impact that certain social media figures have on young men, describing their influence as “hyper-aggressive, misogynistic, and often violent.”
“I know from speaking to parents that they are worried about the impact of these social media figures on young men,” Neville said.
“These figures promote hyper-aggressive, misogynistic, and often violent forms of masculinity.”
Neville further called for the introduction of stronger online safety measures and educational reforms aimed at protecting children.
“We need to introduce stronger online safety measures, educational reforms, and greater support for parents and communities to protect children from this issue,” Neville added.
He highlighted the need to end the promotion of dominance, aggression, and misogyny through social media.
“The glorification of dominance, aggression, and the subjugation of women, through social media must be ended,” Neville said.
He also suggested improving digital literacy and media awareness in schools as a potential solution.
“Expanding digital literacy and media awareness in schools is essential in addressing the rise in toxic masculinity so that young people can separate the truth from online misinformation,” Neville stated.
Neville called for a collaborative effort involving the government, schools, families, and social media companies.
“We need a whole-of-society approach to this,” Neville said. “We need the government, Coimisiún na Meán, schools, families, and social media companies to work together to combat this growing issue.”
He emphasised the urgency of addressing the issue directly.
“We need to have serious conversations about how we can tackle the rise of toxic masculinity and its detrimental influence on our young people,” Neville said.
Neville’s remarks echo those of Fine Gael leader and Tánaiste Simon Harris, who said earlier this week that Conor McGregor represents the “very worst of toxic masculinity”.