Surviving Social Media Content That Landed on the Wrong Side of the Internet

As a content creator, you hope that one day your content will indeed go viral. Perhaps the part I didn't bargain for was which side of the internet it would go viral. Though, I think I'm better for it. And, no, they haven't changed how I think. Instead, they've reaffirmed what I believed in the first place.

They are just as affected by the system as we are, they just can't see it.

Okay, I've been too aloof already. What content went viral, and why did it cause so much of a stir?

The question that lit the match

I asked this question:

If the automotive industry is so inclusive, why do women represent only 30% of all workers?

I know, not exactly a question that should cause such offence. But it did.

At the time of writing, I'm over 300 comments deep, with roughly 85% of commentary saying the same things:

• Because women don’t want to get their nails dirty

• Because women can’t do manual labour

• Because women can’t deal with high-stress environments

• Because women are entitled and lazy

  
  

I’ll give you one guess as to how many women posted those comments.

However, there were 10% who came in inquisitively, ready to listen and discuss. And the remaining 5%? Women who had experienced negativity and difficulties in male-populated environments, and decided to speak out.

What did I learn from 300 comments?

Despite the ridiculous and downright absurd responses, there were clear themes:

• An unconscious belief that mechanics are the only “real” jobs in automotive

• Misogyny is still very much alive, some commenters deliberately sexist, others unknowingly so (“I’m not being sexist, but…”)

• Bullying and harassment in the industry are seen by some as a badge of honour

• Change feels absurd to many, even when they agree the system is broken

The real thing that stood out to me here though, was the need for cultural change, and also clearer consequences. After speaking to several HR experts, they all agreed that a surplus number of workplaces were allowing this behaviour to slide without real repercussions.

So, what are the barriers for women?

Let’s be clear: women do face more blockers in industries like automotive, construction and aviation, regardless of what the comment section thinks.

1. Lack of Reference and Role Models

According to a Shoosmiths report, 68% of UK automotive professionals believe women are underrepresented in leadership. From a lack of industry figures to a lack of internal support, the absence of role models can lead women to unconsciously believe they don’t belong. You can’t be what you can’t see.

And when employers withhold recommendations, or when promotions are passed over due to office politics rather than merit, it discourages upward mobility, for everyone, but disproportionately for women and underrepresented groups.

2. Lack of Flexibility

We still push a 9–5 narrative as if it’s the only productive structure, despite knowing it doesn’t work for everyone.

In roles like mechanics, dealerships and workshops, there’s often little room for flexibility. Shifts clash with childcare, caregiving responsibilities and even just life. This locks out everyone, particularly new parents and carers, from full participation in these sectors. Some are either sacrificing time with their family or sacrificing a career they want to persue.

3. Bullying and Harassment

According to The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), only 18% of the UK automotive workforce is made up of women, with just 4% of automotive apprenticeships held by women. On the reel I posted, many comments were hostile. Some claimed women just don’t know how to work on cars, as if skill were genetic. Others told me to stop complaining or get a job in the industry if I cared so much, when I already work in the industry. If only they did their research!

But they ignored the stories from women who had worked in automotive, and left or struggled because of daily microaggressions, dismissal and even open harassment.

And here’s the twist: even men in the comments admitted to being part of a culture that discouraged vulnerability and empathy. They felt they couldn’t speak up or challenge toxic norms.

Let’s zoom out: other male-dominated UK industries

This isn't just an automotive issue.

Construction:

• Women make up only 15% of the UK construction workforce, with just 1% in manual trades

• Only 7% of executive roles in construction are held by women

• 38% of women have never had a female manager in construction

Aviation:

• Women represent just 6.5% of UK pilots

• Between 2019 and 2023, the number of pilot licenses issued to women grew from 239 to 301, still a tiny slice of the profession

  
  

Why I left video up and didn't delete it

Visibility matters and silence lets broken systems thrive.

And because even if 85% of the comments were defensive, insulting or dismissive, 15% were people willing to listen. People who wanted to understand, share or change something.

If even one person walked away rethinking how they view "men’s work" or how culture affects access, it was worth it.

What can we actually do?

Here’s what I believe we need more of:

• Talk about it more, not less. Silence protects systems, not people. Some don't realise that these changes actually positively impact all parties, not just one group.

• Champion flexibility. Let’s redesign work around humans, not the other way around. Remember, a lot of us are simply working to live, so why are we adding these unnecessary boundaries in the way?

• Sponsor, not just mentor. Use your voice to open doors for others and educate those who need correction or understanding. Education and awareness is a hugely important element of this.

• Challenge what’s normal. If it feels off, say something, especially when it’s easier not to. Your gut is normally right, and ignoring it could just prolong the problem even more.

  
  

How do I feel about what happened?

I didn’t expect a firestorm when I asked that question, but I’m glad it happened. It helped me learn more and understand the improvements that need to happen.

It showed me exactly why this conversation matters, and it reminded me that the people most resistant to change are often the ones most threatened by what that change would mean, even if it's a positive outcome for them too.

This isn’t just about women getting a seat at the table. It’s about building a better table, where everyone has a chance to speak, contribute and thrive.

Even if it gets me on the wrong side of the internet. Sometimes, that’s exactly where I need to be.