Warning: This article contains graphic material and references to suicide.
For more than a year, Jo* had no idea her daughter, Mary*, was being exploited by a sinister online network known as the Com—short for Community. This sadistic web of online gangs manipulates young girls into producing self-harm and child sexual abuse content. Mary’s mental and physical health deteriorated rapidly: she stopped sleeping, withdrew from friends, and became dangerously thin, her body covered in scars.
Jo’s story is not isolated. The Com, described by the National Crime Agency (NCA) as an “unprecedented” threat, thrives in an online ecosystem increasingly shaped by misogynistic influencers and far-right extremists. Figures like Andrew Tate, Donald Trump, Lee Anderson, and Tommy Robinson have normalised hate, dehumanisation, and male entitlement—rhetoric that emboldens young men to engage in sadistic behaviour.
The Com: A Breeding Ground for Extremism
The Com is not led by a single individual but operates as a decentralised network of predominantly teenage boys who share misogynistic, nihilistic, and violent content. Many are radicalised by online personalities who promote male supremacy, anti-feminism, and cruelty as power.
- Andrew Tate’s rhetoric, which glorifies domination over women, has been linked to the rise of young men adopting extreme misogyny.
- Donald Trump’s history of degrading remarks about women reinforces the idea that disrespect is acceptable.
- Far-right figures like Tommy Robinson and Lee Anderson contribute to a culture where hostility towards marginalised groups is normalised.
These influencers create an environment where vulnerable boys—often socially isolated—are drawn into extremist spaces, adopting incel (involuntary celibate) ideology, racism, and sadism as part of their identity.
How the Com Operates
Sky News’ investigation into the Com revealed horrifying tactics:
- Grooming and coercion: Victims are manipulated into sending explicit content, then blackmailed.
- Swatting and doxxing: Personal information is leaked, and fake police reports are filed to terrorise victims.
- Animal abuse and self-harm glorification: Some groups share images of mutilated animals and encourage suicide.
One investigator, Keeley*, described reading chats where girls were pressured into self-harm. “It was worse than seeing images—you could imagine what was happening,” she said.
The Role of Social Media Platforms
The Com thrives on platforms like Telegram, Discord, and even Roblox, where predators target children. While these companies claim to moderate harmful content, the speed at which new groups emerge makes enforcement difficult.
- Telegram removed hundreds of Com-linked groups but admits the network persists.
- Discord hosts channels where rape and self-harm are joked about.
- Roblox, a children’s game, has been exploited by predators grooming minors.
A Call to Action
Dr. Joe Ondrak, an expert in online radicalisation, warns:
“We’re seeing hero worship applied to people who encourage depraved behaviour. When cruelty is rewarded with admiration, that’s where the real danger lies.”
Parents like Jo and Sally* urge vigilance:
- Delay internet access for as long as possible.
- Use parental controls and monitor online activity.
- Talk openly with children about online risks.
James Babbage of the NCA adds:
“The internet isn’t safe. We must teach kids that the online world carries real dangers.”
Conclusion
The Com is a symptom of a broader cultural sickness—one amplified by misogynistic influencers and far-right rhetoric. To protect children, we must confront the ideologies that fuel this cruelty and hold both platforms and perpetrators accountable.
The alternative? More children like Mary are trapped in a nightmare with scars that may never fully heal.
If you or someone you know is affected by the issues in this article, contact the NSPCC or Samaritans for support.
