MRA is a derisive term that stands for Men’s Rights Activist. It’s akin to using the term “feminazi.”

MGTOW = Men Going Their Own Way. They’re mostly (but not necessarily) InCels (Involuntary Celibates) who decided to become Voluntary Celibates. Many times they’ve simply had (sometimes shockingly) bad experiences in the relationships they have had. Unlike InCels, they’re not violent or hateful but sometimes bitter and frustrated. They take responsibility for their lives and are trying to better themselves by removing themselves from what they view as a hateful, anti-man society.

“MRA” and MGTOW are differentiated in that MRA remain involved in the system (mostly legal battles and some books and protests) to preserve men’s rights to remain a part of their children’s and family’s lives, among other similar issues. MGTOW have literally decided to just opt out or at least that’s what they claim on the internet where the movement largely exists. It’s unknown how many “MGTOW” are either women LARPing as men online or agents of some unknown organization attempting to discourage men from breeding or expressing themselves sexually with their “nofap” (no masturbation) campaigns.

The fact that there is so much intense media hate pointed toward these two disparate groups shows me that they both have very valid points — although I do feel that they are somewhat misguided, personally speaking. But then I feel a lot of people are misguided so that’s nothing new.