ome social media influencers’ ideologies may discourage young men from civic engagement. This doesn’t only weaken their influence in the democratic process—it weakens democracy itself.
Increasingly, young men around the world are listening to influencers who argue ‘grinding’ to earn wealth and status is required to develop into a “real man.” This grinding mindset encourages young men to ignore ‘distractions,’ often including unsupportive friends and family, from their work.
For example, the influential Andrew Tate argues society pushes young men towards mediocrity and they must “escape the Matrix,” meaning become wealthy and self-reliant, to prosper. Tate instructs young men to liberate themselves from corrupt systems, not work to fix them.
I worry these worldviews will make young men view civic engagement as a distraction from their self–development. Tate’s fans in particular may see public service as participation in a corrupt system. These young men may still have political views and favor democracy. However, I worry they will be too disinterested to act boldly to protect or progress democracy.
While the solution to this problem is unclear, demonizing young men influenced by grind culture won’t help. Arguably, ’grindset‘ rhetoric resonates with young men for socially embedded reasons, including society not setting them up for financial success. Young men who worry grinding is their only path to masculine self–esteem need sympathy, not scorn.
Notably, these young men have the potential to benefit democracy. Many success–fixated young men rely on discipline, long–term thinking, and a willingness to sacrifice to achieve their goals. If defending democracy became their goal, young men’s traits would be invaluable. We should learn to convince young men who are grinding about their importance to democracy, not demonize them for applying their talents elsewhere.
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How ‘grind culture’ downplays democracy’s importance to young men
August 14, 2024
‘Grind culture’—a notion put forward by some social media influencers about work, status, and profit—is very attractive to young men today as a way to earn status. Its rhetoric is also hostile toward institutions, making these young men less likely to take part in civic life, writes Leo Sereni.
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ome social media influencers’ ideologies may discourage young men from civic engagement. This doesn’t only weaken their influence in the democratic process—it weakens democracy itself.
Increasingly, young men around the world are listening to influencers who argue ‘grinding’ to earn wealth and status is required to develop into a “real man.” This grinding mindset encourages young men to ignore ‘distractions,’ often including unsupportive friends and family, from their work.
For example, the influential Andrew Tate argues society pushes young men towards mediocrity and they must “escape the Matrix,” meaning become wealthy and self-reliant, to prosper. Tate instructs young men to liberate themselves from corrupt systems, not work to fix them.
I worry these worldviews will make young men view civic engagement as a distraction from their self–development. Tate’s fans in particular may see public service as participation in a corrupt system. These young men may still have political views and favor democracy. However, I worry they will be too disinterested to act boldly to protect or progress democracy.
While the solution to this problem is unclear, demonizing young men influenced by grind culture won’t help. Arguably, ’grindset‘ rhetoric resonates with young men for socially embedded reasons, including society not setting them up for financial success. Young men who worry grinding is their only path to masculine self–esteem need sympathy, not scorn.
Notably, these young men have the potential to benefit democracy. Many success–fixated young men rely on discipline, long–term thinking, and a willingness to sacrifice to achieve their goals. If defending democracy became their goal, young men’s traits would be invaluable. We should learn to convince young men who are grinding about their importance to democracy, not demonize them for applying their talents elsewhere.
