Aparna S
March 21, 2025: There was a time when online debates about masculinity revolved entirely around “alpha” versus “beta” males. Alphas were stereotyped as Chad-like leaders, betas as hapless followers, and the rest of humanity seemingly existed to supply protein shakes and gym memberships. Then, social media spawned a new archetype in the evolutionary arms race: the sigma male.
Initially, sigma masculinity emerged as a rejection of the alpha-beta hierarchy, touting independence and self-sufficiency. But much of its online discourse has devolved into something darker—particularly as influencers began framing emotional detachment, disdain for women, and rejection of societal norms as markers of superiority.
Who is the sigma male?
He is the introverted, hyper-independent “lone wolf” who scoffs at human connection, dismisses emotions as a “government conspiracy,” and claims to be too focused on success, discipline, and mystery.
Sigma masculinity started as a counter to the alpha-beta hierarchy, supposedly promoting independence and self-sufficiency. But a lot of its online discourse has become toxic—especially with influencers pushing this idea that emotional detachment, disdain for women, and rejection of societal norms make a man superior.
Sigma masculinity positions itself as an alternative to traditional models, emphasizing independence, self-confidence, ambition, and adaptability. The sigma man purportedly avoids the alpha’s aggression, opting instead for cynical detachment, particularly from romantic relationships. At first glance, this seems aspirational. But beneath the surface lies a troubling undercurrent of gender inequality: the sigma male still views himself as superior, still craves control, and still reduces relationships to power dynamics.
What began as an innocuous (if cringeworthy) internet meme soon morphed into a lucrative grift. YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram capitalized on male loneliness, with self-styled “sigma gurus” peddling guides to becoming an “untouchable legend.” Their core message? Detach. Dominate. Disregard women entirely—unless they affirm your superiority.
Social media undeniably fuels this toxic discourse. A University of Montreal study analyzing popular TikTok videos found that while sigma content often appears humorous or harmless, it reinforces gender stereotypes and antifeminist ideologies. The problem isn’t self-improvement itself—it’s the promotion of emotional repression and unhealthy detachment, repackaging toxic masculinity as enlightenment.
Ironically, this rhetoric undermines the very “strength” it claims to champion. True confidence doesn’t require belittling others. Self-worth isn’t forged by rejecting connection but by embracing authenticity. Worse, sigma masculinity disguises resentment as wisdom, framing emotions as weakness. Science, however, disagrees: studies consistently show that strong relationships are key to happiness and longevity. Real lone wolves don’t flaunt their independence—they typically die alone in the woods.
The result? A generation of young men convinced that success means isolating themselves in candlelit apartments, smirking at their phones in turtlenecks as if they’ve outsmarted the world.
Here’s the truth: If you must constantly declare your indifference, you aren’t indifferent. Truly healthy, successful men don’t waste hours convincing the internet they don’t care—they’re too busy nurturing balanced lives.
To any young man watching these videos, wondering if you should ghost your girlfriend and brood to dramatic music: No. You don’t need to be an emotionally unavailable enigma to succeed. And if you really want to be a lone wolf? Get a dog. They’re better company anyway.
(Dr Aparna S is a consultant psychiatrist and an Assistant Professor at the Believers Church Medical College Hospital, Tiruvalla, Kerala. Views expressed are her own and not of an organisation or company.)