This report investigates how subtle, everyday digital sexism manifests in public online debates and evaluates the role of content moderation in fostering an inclusive democratic discourse. While extreme online hate is widely recognised, everyday sexism, such as gendered belittling, patronising labels, and subtle microaggressions, often passes unnoticed despite lowering democratic participation, particularly among women.
The study reveals that 59% of the Danish public supports comment moderation. It demonstrates that visible, active moderation shifts norms far more effectively than deleting posts ("invisible moderation") and outlines strategic recommendations for media outlets, political organisations, and platform administrators.
Methodology
The study was conducted jointly by KVINFO (Denmark’s Gender Equality Center) and the research data agency Analyse&Tal (supported by TryGFonden). The research design combined quantitative public opinion surveying with qualitative analysis of online comment sections (predominantly Facebook) and expert advisory input.
Country or region of researched population
Denmark
Citation
KVINFO, & Analyse&Tal. (2025). Digital hverdagssexisme: Hvordan forebygger og håndterer man den hårde tone i onlinedebatter? KVINFO. https://www.ogtal.dk/assets/files/2025_Digital-hverdgassexisme_KVINFO.pdf
Record created:
21 July 2026
This report investigates how subtle, everyday digital sexism manifests in public online debates and evaluates the role of content moderation in fostering an inclusive democratic discourse. While extreme online hate is widely recognised, everyday sexism, such as gendered belittling, patronising labels, and subtle microaggressions, often passes unnoticed despite lowering democratic participation, particularly among women.
The study reveals that 59% of the Danish public supports comment moderation. It demonstrates that visible, active moderation shifts norms far more effectively than deleting posts ("invisible moderation") and outlines strategic recommendations for media outlets, political organisations, and platform administrators.
Methodology
The study was conducted jointly by KVINFO (Denmark’s Gender Equality Center) and the research data agency Analyse&Tal (supported by TryGFonden). The research design combined quantitative public opinion surveying with qualitative analysis of online comment sections (predominantly Facebook) and expert advisory input.
Country or region of researched population
Denmark
Citation
KVINFO, & Analyse&Tal. (2025). Digital hverdagssexisme: Hvordan forebygger og håndterer man den hårde tone i onlinedebatter? KVINFO. https://www.ogtal.dk/assets/files/2025_Digital-hverdgassexisme_KVINFO.pdf
