Why Do VTubers Face Hate? Ironmouse Situation Explained

A few days ago, we reported on the 2024 Metaverse Identity Survey, which highlighted two key findings: cuteness plays a vital role in the metaverse, and almost no one wants their virtual avatar to resemble themselves. Based on a predominantly Japanese sample, the survey aligns with recent hate attacks targeting the popular Western VTuber Ironmouse. This raises an important question: Is there a notable difference in how VTuber avatars are perceived and accepted between Eastern and Western audiences? Furthermore, how can female VTubers manage their personal image in light of this divide?

To begin, let’s examine the hate attacks Ironmouse faced. The backlash stemmed from her surpassing Kai Cenat in October to become Twitch’s top subscriber. This achievement triggered unfounded accusations on X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, including claims that she was secretly male, that her life story was fabricated, and that her anime avatar promoted the sexualization of children. The attacks were severe enough to prompt her friends, CDawgVA and prominent streamer Asmongold, to publicly defend her. Asmongold called for an end to the hate speech, suggesting that many of the attackers were projecting their own struggles onto Ironmouse, seeking to make her suffer in the same way they were.

CDawgVA, originally from Wales and now based in Tokyo, is affiliated with Kadokawa's GeeXPlus and frequently showcases Japanese subculture. He is one of the few Western streamers with a deep understanding of VTuber culture. (Source: YouTube)

Major Hate Attacks in 2022

This isn’t the first time Ironmouse has faced hate. In 2022, she appeared on an AustinShow program alongside three other VTubers, which drew criticism from streamer Quin69. He argued that VTubers hide behind anime avatars and use childlike voices to attract audiences with minimal effort.

At the end of 2023, Ironmouse won the Content Creator of the Year award at The Game Awards, sparking further backlash. Critics claimed the term "content creator" had lost its meaning, with some suggesting that a computer had replaced real creators. Others dismissed her achievement as typical of anime-inspired content catering to inappropriate audiences. While engaging with online trolls often proves unproductive, it’s worth examining the root causes of these attacks. Is Ironmouse genuinely relying on a cute facade to gain viewers effortlessly, or do these criticisms reflect broader Western attitudes toward VTubers?

Ironmouse faced criticism after winning the TGA Content Creator of the Year award last year, but the backlash was less intense compared to October this year. (Source: X)

These large-scale hate attacks often coincide with moments when Ironmouse gains recognition or breaks into the mainstream, suggesting that much of the backlash stems from a lack of understanding about VTubers. However, Ironmouse’s journey makes it clear that her popularity is well-earned. Her unique persona—a self-proclaimed "demon princess from hell"—is consistently reflected in her design and interactions. With a background in vocal music, she excels at singing anime songs, adding a layer of charm to her performances. Combined with engaging gaming streams, Ironmouse captivates audiences through her talent and creativity, not merely by relying on a cute facade.

In reality, her efforts may even surpass those of most content creators due to her condition, Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID), which significantly limits her ability to leave her home and impacts her daily life. This condition led her to streaming. In a 2022 interview with The Washington Post, she described how her illness left her feeling isolated, motivating her to find a way to connect with others. Streaming gave her the opportunity to engage with the world without physical interaction, helping her rebuild her sense of self and feel less alone for the first time in years. This combination of a compelling life story and a vibrant persona positions Ironmouse as far more than just a "computer," making her a relatable and inspiring figure.

Challenging Western Ideas of the "True Self"

Despite Ironmouse's efforts to prove herself, why does she continue to face attacks? It may be because she challenges traditional Western notions of authenticity, raising the question of what truly defines a person's "truest self." A study from the University of Amsterdam on VTubers and the attention economy suggests that Ironmouse’s virtual persona—her anime avatar—enables her to express her true self, shaped by her experiences living with CVID. This approach challenges conventional views of authenticity, which often prioritize physical or unfiltered reality. For those holding these traditional views, the idea of presenting one’s truest self through a virtual facade may feel contradictory or even paradoxical.

This perspective aligns with the "Proteus Effect" mentioned earlier, which explores the mutual influence between virtual avatars and their human counterparts. It also echoes the metaverse survey's finding that "almost no one wants their virtual avatar to look like themselves," even though people still identify with their avatars. In modern contexts, authenticity may no longer be tied to physical reality. Instead, it might center on an individual’s ability to express thoughts, emotions, and values—something that can transcend real-world actions. Virtual personas, in this sense, may act as bridges to a deeper, more nuanced form of truth.

Female Streamers Also Face Bias

Another factor contributing to the devaluation of Ironmouse may be the persistent stereotype that female streamers "lack professional skills, aren’t committed to gaming, and rely on their appearance to attract viewers."

A 2020 study by scholar Andrew Zolides highlights that male users on Twitch—including streamers, viewers, and community participants—often express frustration over the growing presence of female streamers. They claim that these streamers achieve success primarily due to their gender and appearance rather than their skill or the quality of their content. Supporting this, the Stream Hatchet Q2 2024 industry report reveals a significant disparity in watch hours between male and female streamers. The combined watch hours of the top 10 female creators fall short of those achieved by Kai Cenat alone, illustrating the uphill battle female streamers continue to face in gaining equal recognition and respect.

The same University of Amsterdam study observes that many female streamers adopt virtual avatars as a way to mitigate gender-based scrutiny and harassment, using VTuber personas to redefine their public image. A notable example is Kson, previously discussed, who transitioned from streaming as herself to becoming a VTuber. Interestingly, the Stream Hatchet report reveals that the top 10 VTubers generally accumulate more watch hours than female streamers, suggesting that traditional female streamers may face additional challenges in gaining comparable audience favor.

Asmongold, a supporter of Ironmouse, believes that competition among VTubers is "fairer" compared to traditional streamers. At the same time, he suggests that Ironmouse may face jealousy from female streamers who feel that VTubers avoid the time and effort spent on makeup or maintaining their appearance to attract viewers. However, this perspective partially reflects the traditional stereotype that female streamers "lack professional skills, aren’t committed to gaming, and rely on appearance to attract viewers." Notably, most attacks on Ironmouse on X appear to originate from male accounts.

When considering both points together, an intriguing paradox emerges: by expressing herself as a VTuber, Ironmouse faces criticism similar to that directed at female streamers, creating what can be seen as a "perfect loop" of judgment. As she noted in her interview with The Washington Post, VTubers in the West can be likened to streaming platforms when they were first introduced—met with confusion and skepticism, but gradually accepted over time. Yet, we seem to still be in the "growing pains" phase. Ironmouse’s repeated experiences of hate, especially when she achieves mainstream recognition, highlight a harsh reality: the initial reaction to unfamiliar things is often rejection or hostility.

Kai Cenat, after being surpassed by Ironmouse, graciously congratulated her, reminding fans that there’s no need to attack others. (Source: YouTube)