<The Internet: A Catalyst for Ignorance and Testosterone Toxicity>
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I identify as male, and I hope this statement isn’t offensive. My physical and mental attributes align with being a man, yet I have no firsthand experience of being anything else.
Before I conclude this brief reflection on my identity, I must address an inescapable truth: I find testosterone to be a relentless tormentor. The daily struggle against its effects means that the only difference between being a misguided fool and a thoughtful individual is my awareness of the challenge I face.
It’s crucial that we acknowledge the role of testosterone before it spirals out of control.
The Internet as a Detriment
I anticipate that my next point may not resonate well with traditional notions of masculinity, but I believe that testosterone hinders men, rendering us less evolved.
Men generally live shorter lives and, in many cultures, have less influence over children—two significant indicators of a person’s contribution to society. Our limitations collectively reduce our genetic legacy for future generations.
Moreover, I suspect that men may be less intellectually capable. A glance at daily headlines reveals a plethora of foolish actions committed predominantly by men.
While the impulse to take risks is integral to human evolution—since stagnation could prevent progress—much of today’s risk-taking appears misguided. Consider the example of "Joe," who takes a leap and suffers the consequences. His experience teaches the rest of us valuable lessons about survival.
However, those days of beneficial experimentation seem to be behind us. Instead of engaging in meaningful risks, we see individuals consuming Tide pods and recording themselves on TikTok, with little to show for their reckless actions, often heading toward metaphorical walls without any protection.
Take the internet as a case in point: it offers little that genuinely promotes human advancement. While it’s commendable that we can share ideas and insights, and it serves as an excellent tool for research, the prevalent stupidity in online interactions is alarming.
For instance, it’s plausible that Donald Trump’s 2016 election success was significantly influenced by the internet’s rapid spread of misinformation and divisive content. The rise of Internet 2.0 has hastened humanity’s descent into ignorance.
In the past, our social interactions were limited; we might have shared ideas with a handful of people daily, gradually expanding that circle over weeks or months. Nowadays, when tragedy strikes, social media allows people to connect with vast networks almost instantaneously, often leading to superficial displays of sympathy.
I recall a woman who, amidst her child’s drowning, took to social media to ask for prayers while paramedics worked tirelessly to save him. This behavior raises questions about our societal values and priorities.
This individual, and many like her, embodies a troubling trend in modern humanity—particularly in industrialized societies—where survival is often more about circumstance than merit.
AI’s Growing Dominance
There’s an emerging theory, sometimes referred to as the “dead internet theory,” suggesting that artificial intelligence has largely overtaken online discourse.
While I won’t delve deeply into this theory, reputable sources are exploring the idea that AI is generating a significant portion of the content we consume.
Our interactions online increasingly resemble exchanges with algorithms that curate our experiences, creating a cycle of engagement that can feel more tailored yet ultimately hollow.
With each click, we are drawn deeper into a web that leads us back to our preconceived notions of safety and righteousness, but it rarely fosters genuine growth or wealth.
The Role of Men in Warfare
Is the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles a result of systemic oppression or a lack of interest in such positions? I’m not here to provide definitive answers, as this is a complex issue.
Historically, research indicates that female rulers were more likely to initiate wars than their male counterparts. However, it is predominantly men who have led some of humanity’s most devastating conflicts, often driven by reckless ambition fueled by testosterone.
Major wars, including World Wars I and II, could have been averted but instead resulted in unimaginable loss of life. The destructive ideologies of figures like Mussolini and Hitler were justified through a toxic mix of ignorance and aggression, further compounded by the unchecked power of testosterone.
In today’s context, leaders like Putin exemplify this dangerous blend. His propaganda efforts are fueled by an internet that amplifies misinformation, allowing him to manipulate public perception and rally support for his aggressive actions.
The same patterns can be observed in various right-wing movements across the globe, where irrationality flourishes in response to facts and societal issues like climate change or gun control.
The internet has transformed ordinary individuals into fervent advocates for irrational beliefs, driven by a false sense of certainty bolstered by constant reinforcement online. This environment perpetuates a cycle where testosterone-fueled ignorance thrives.
Since the advent of social media, we have witnessed an unparalleled spread of ignorance, transforming the world into a volatile battleground.
Perhaps it is time to rethink our societal norms, even considering whether we need to replace fluoride in our water with something more calming, like estrogen.