Informative in ways that I hadn’t imagined.
Feature image credit: Simon & Schuster
Founder of the Everyday Sexism Project, author Laura Bates issues a strong warning. In Men Who Hate Women (2020), Bates investigated the world of incels and misogynists, exposing the network of extremists who deliberately seek to exploit and harm women. Looking toward the future, Bates now explores how AI has the potential to reinvent misogyny in her latest book, The New Age of Sexism. As a renowned activist and spokesperson for gender equality, Bates’ knowledge has been sought from all corners of the globe.
At first glance, it would be very easy to dismiss this book as being over the top or slightly exaggerated, but upon reading, it is quite clear that it is not. As technology becomes ever more pervasive and its influence seeps into all aspects of our lives, we just don’t realise how much is out there unless we go down the rabbit hole ourselves.
Although I have read specific news stories and heard of figures like Andrew Tate (and the like), I was shocked at just how far the world of online misogyny had gone — not just in terms of trolling and abuse, but also in all the places it reaches, including AI brothels, virtual reality gendered violence outlets (justified as ‘to prevent it getting worse or happening in real life’), and other similar digital arenas. This book is essential reading for everyone. What do we want the future to look like for women?
We have seen how social media platforms have banned misogynists like Andrew Tate for promoting sexist ideas, toxic masculinity, harmful content, and hate speech, but as he is an ‘influencer,’ he seeks a public profile. Yet there are many digital spaces where the devaluation of women is occurring, expanding and being encouraged — spaces that we don’t hear about — and it is this hidden world that this book really exposes.
It may not be the type of book that is immediately absorbing as the author uses a lot of examples, some of which are a bit dry. However, Bates has a direct, conversational style that feels as though she is talking straight to the reader which helps keep you engaged when the material becomes a bit repetitive. She uses this technique for necessary emphasis of the topic’s breadth.
There are many disturbing examples of people who have been affected by reputational attacks and fake imagery, which, as the examples point out, cannot be dismissed emotionally as not feeling real due to their virtual nature. Bates successfully makes the case that online harm is real harm, and so too, becomes the The New Age of Sexism.
Reviewed by Rebecca Wu
The views expressed in this review belong to the author and not Glam Adelaide, its affiliates, or employees.
Distributed by: Simon & Schuster
Released: July 2025
RRP: $36.99
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