In today’s digital climate, there’s been a surplus of social media users who promote alt-right imagery and hypermasculinity. No matter the platform, it can be easy to fall down a rabbit hole of content creators who indulge in this alt-right, red-pill ideology, especially among young men. According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, the term red pill refers to something that makes someone “become aware of … the truth or facts” and is often used on the internet “by and about followers of ultra-conservative or extremist ideologies to refer to the adoption of such ideologies.” Those who hold these extreme beliefs see themselves as the ones who know the “truth” about the world.
Embarrassingly, I used to watch a lot of red pill content on topics such as self-improvement, gym culture, male oppression and other things that delve into personal philosophy for men. While I now disagree with the alt-right ideology, I understand why young men are attracted to it. To an extent, it provides guidance and assurance to a lot of young men who are struggling to find themselves and how they fit in the world around them.
However, this content meant to guide many men is doing exactly the opposite. Influencers are, instead, preying on their audiences’ insecurities. They are creating entire online communities built upon the struggles of men who are coming of age and are negatively distorting these struggles. Unsurprisingly, these men are drawn into a pipeline of becoming more radicalized and politicized, resulting in many influencers choosing to endorse President-elect Donald Trump this past election season.
The politicization of these young men is explicitly shown through the results of the 2024 presidential election, in which 63% of white men ages 18-29 voted for Trump. It’s no secret that the alt-right, red-pilled communities made Trump a focal point. I fear for the young men who fall victim to this pipeline, resulting in a lack of empathy. If I could say anything to anyone in my age range who is struggling internally: having empathy for yourself and others is necessary. There is no way to live without it.
