The Toxic Impact of Narcissistic Influencers
In today’s society, there is a growing influence of influencers who use platforms such as YouTube and other social networks to spread their messages of self-help, male superiority, “alpha” mentality and similar topics. Names like Andrew Tate, Fresh & Fit and Casey Zander have become synonymous with this type of content. Although at first glance these influencers may appear to be inspirational figures who promote personal growth and success, a closer analysis reveals that a fundamental problem is often present in their messages – heightened narcissism, with elements of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD).
Key characteristics of narcissistic personality disorder in the content of these influencers
The narcissistic personality state is characterized by grandiosity, a need for divination, and a lack of empathy. These elements are present in almost all the posts that influencers share with their followers.
1. Grandiosity and self-aggrandizement
Influencers like Andrew Tate often present themselves as paragons of masculinity, success and social power. Their messages suggest that they are the only authorities on the subject of success, while everyone else is lazy or “weak.” This grandiose image often includes presenting oneself as someone who has no problem in society, especially among men. Given that people with narcissistic personality disorder often believe they are above others, the messages they convey become dangerous because they teach young, vulnerable people that success can only be achieved through humiliating and exploiting others.
2. Need for violence
The narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by a constant need for anger and violence. These influencers use their platforms to constantly receive confirmation of their views from their followers. Every interaction, whether positive or negative, enhances their sense of importance. This need for attention is seen in the rhetoric that constantly urges the audience to like, support and imitate them. Admirers are often told that if they are not successful, it is because they have not listened enough to the influencer’s advice, creating a toxic cycle of dependence on their content.
3. Lack of empathy
One of the most telling characteristics of a narcissistic personality is a lack of empathy. This can be seen in the way these influencers talk about women, weaker or “unsuccessful” men. Their advice is often likened to feelings of emotional complexity and real problems that people struggle with. Instead, they offer simple and rigid solutions that do not take into account the diversity of individual experiences and emotions. For example, advising men that they have to be the “alpha” and that any sign of emotion is a sign of weakness is extremely degrading, especially for those who are already struggling with emotional problems.
The toxic impact of narcissistic influencers and the consequences for the public
This type of message has significant consequences for the public, especially for young people who are still in the process of forming their identities and values. Influential people who promote narcissistic personalities create followers who begin to internalize these values, which can lead to serious problems in their personal relationships and emotional development.
Inaccurate image of success
Many of these will influence the idea that success is measured only by material wealth, physical strength and social status. This limited definition of success can lead to frustration and low self-esteem in people who cannot fit into such rigid standards. Instead of developing their own talents and personalities, young men may try to imitate these influencers, while ignoring their own needs and desires.
Deterioration of the relationship
The messages that these influencers send out often promote the idea that relationships between men and women are based on power and domination. This approach undermines healthy, empathetic relationships and can lead to conflict, manipulation and emotional distance in personal relationships. Instead of promoting understanding and communication, they exacerbate the division and discrimination between the sexes.
Emotional isolation
Many of these influencers tell men that feelings and emotional vulnerability are signs of weakness. This message can create a feeling of isolation for those struggling with their own emotional problems, such as anxiety or depression. Rejecting one’s emotions as “unimportant” or “weak” leads to emotional dissociation and makes it difficult to create healthy relationships with others.
Although this shows narcissistic tendencies, it is important to recognize that many influencers such as Andrew Tate, Fresh & Fit and Casey Zander are actually products of deeply rooted trauma. This fact can help us understand why they behave toxically and why their attitudes are often perceived as rigid, intolerant and destructive.
People who have experienced trauma, especially in early childhood or during the formative years, often develop defense mechanisms to cope with emotional pain and vulnerability. In the case of these influencers, it is possible that they have experienced feelings of powerlessness, neglect or emotional rejection in the past, which has led them to develop rigid and controlling external personalities in order to avoid dealing with their inner wounds.
1. Excessive control as a protective mechanism
One of the key aspects of their behavior is the need for control – over themselves, over others, and even over social norms. This control often stems from an inability to come to terms with feelings of vulnerability or loss of control that they may have experienced in their lifetime. Trauma from the past can create a deeply rooted fear of feeling powerless again, creating the image of an “invincible” and “irresistible” leader.
For example, Andrew Tate often talks about how men have to control their relationships and be superior to women, which can be a manifestation of fear of intimacy or of renewed emotional revenge. Instead of striving for a healthy balance in the relationship, they promote the idea of dominance as the only way to avoid emotional vulnerability.
2. Emotional coldness and distancing
Many of these influences show an expressed lack of empathy, as if they were detached from their own feelings. This emotional disengagement is often the result of trauma in which feelings are seen as insignificant, dangerous or a sign of weakness. When someone goes through traumatic experiences that include emotional rejection, they can develop a defense mechanism in which they completely reject emotions as a way of living.
This distancing from their own feelings is then projected onto their audience. Casey Zander, for example, often promotes the idea that men need to suppress their emotions in order to be successful, thereby implicitly emphasizing his internal struggle with emotional vulnerability. Instead of recognizing their traumas and emotional needs, they reject them, and this behavior model can also be seen in their audience.
3. Aggression and defensive stance
The toxic messages promoted by these influencers are often met with aggression, whether verbal or emotional, which is a classic symptom of unrecognized trauma. Aggression is often a way in which traumatized people try to protect themselves from being hurt again. Their way of communicating can be an expression of this inner pain, or displayed in a way that makes it seem like strength.
In the case of Fresh & Fit, their rhetoric against women, “beta” men and generally everyone who does not agree with their vision of masculinity, may be the result of deep insecurities from past experiences of rejection or humiliation. Instead of dealing with their pain and fears, they struggle against the world with the idea that aggression will dominate their inner turmoil.
Traumatic aftermath and public impact
The combination of narcissism and trauma creates a complex and dangerous dynamic. On the surface, these influencers appear confident, self-assured, and successful, but beneath this facade there is often deep inner pain that they have learned to mask through toxic behaviors. This trauma not only shapes their personal life, but is also transmitted to their audience, who internalize these values as normal or even desirable.
1. Normalization of toxic behavior
When a traumatized person with a major impact on social networks spreads the word about success through manipulation, dominance and emotional distance, an atmosphere is created in which toxic behavior becomes normative. Many young people, who may be unaware of their own emotional needs or trauma, begin to imitate these behaviors, believing that this is an efficient way of navigating through life.
2. Pushing away one’s emotions
When these influencers talk about the importance of rejecting emotions or emotional coldness, many of their followers may start to suppress their own feelings, which can lead to emotional problems such as anxiety, depression or isolation. Instead of encouraging young people to work on themselves and recognize their own traumas, these influencers teach them to distance themselves from their own feelings, which over time creates an even greater inner void.
The toxicity of influencers like Andrew Tate, Fresh & Fit and Casey Zander is not just the result of narcissism, but also of deeply rooted traumas that shape their behavior and attitudes. Their past has taught them to control and suppress their emotions and to project their pain through domination and rigid ideas about strength and success. Their impact can be extremely stressful, because it normalizes toxic behavior and leads to the suppression of appropriate emotions towards the family member.
It is important to understand that behind every toxic message or destructive behavior there is often a traumatized person who, although they may appear robust, is carrying deep inner pain. Understanding this aspect can help to better understand why their messages are appealing, but also how important it is to raise awareness of the importance of emotional openness and healthy, empathetic relationships.
*Key words: flu, toxic effects, somatic experiencing therapy, psychotherapist zagreb, gestalt therapy
*Photo: GettyImages
*Contact: Dogovori termin
*For companies: Kreativni Direktor
