[realsimplesynd]

> “ Instagram’s algorithm might suggest more extreme dieting accounts with names such as “Eternally starved,” “I have to be thin” and “I want to be perfect.” “

I know people who cut themselves because of Instagram and not feeling adequate enough. I think there’s a similar version of this with competency for males. The feeling that you will never be good at what you do or that you need to do something to get there just hasn’t been exploited yet.

[advael]

Are we living in the same reality? This is the vector by which a lot of creepy groups that primarily recruit/exploit young men convince them to join stuff. Literally any time anyone says a greek letter before the word "male" you are seeing that tactic working. We're just in a cultural moment where this has a harder time disguising itself as "normal and healthy interaction with one's peers" than exploiting insecurities about body image among teen girls.

[collegeburner]

Not as much as you think, most people regard the "Sigma" thing as so stupid that its become a meme that ppl reference ironically. Like if u post a video of somebody doing something really stupid somebody might reply "sigma".

[kodah]

I've noticed recently that in gaming Sigma is only referred to ironically and is usually postured to poke fun at "alpha" stereotype fulfilling people and internet bullies.

[Zababa]

> Literally any time anyone says a greek letter before the word "male" you are seeing that tactic working.

Not exactly. The pickup artist community and the alt-right use alpha and beta a lot, but the "sigma" stuff is just pure parody.