Toxic masculinity
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The extreme alpha male as influencer and his strange power. How masculine is toxic masculinity really? Who propagates these role models?
The psychoanalytic anatomy of modern masculinity: Why toxic masculinity and extreme role models of alpha influencers hijack the unconscious minds of young men
Today, toxic masculinity manifests itself in its most extreme form through alpha male influencers such as the Liver King, Paul Saladino and Andrew Tate. These figures not only embody superficial role models, but also serve deeper psychoanalytic mechanisms of the male unconscious. While traditional male role models have degenerated into sterile PR puppets, these extreme figures offer a perverse form of identification for young men seeking authentic masculinity.
This article analyses the psychodynamic processes behind the appeal of extreme alpha influencers and shows how toxic ideals of masculinity colonise the male subconscious. Understand the unconscious driving forces that draw millions of men to these problematic role models.
1. What is toxic masculinity from a psychoanalytical perspective?
From a psychoanalytical perspective, toxic masculinity refers to a pathological distortion of male identity formation based on the repression of fundamental human needs. These toxic ideals of masculinity arise from a disturbed individuation process in which the male subject abandons his wholeness in favour of a rigid, dominance-oriented persona. The concept propagates the division between the ‘strong man’ and the rejected, ‘feminine’ part of the psyche.
Psychoanalytic observation shows that toxic masculine behaviour is a defence mechanism against the fear of castration and loss. Men who follow these toxic ideals of masculinity project their own weakness and vulnerability onto others – especially women and ‘weaker’ men. This devaluation functions as a narcissistic fantasy of grandeur that protects the fragile male self from confronting its own incompleteness.
A study shows that many men are under unconscious pressure to conform to an unattainable ideal of masculinity, which inhibits their psychological development. This image of masculinity requires the complete suppression of emotions and vulnerability – aspects that psychoanalysis considers essential for mental health. The result is a fragmented personality that tends towards aggression and pathological coping patterns.
2. How do toxic ideals of masculinity affect the unconscious of young men?
Traditional images of masculinity create a fundamental split in the male unconscious between the ‘ideal self’ and the ‘rejected self’. The role model of the invulnerable warrior who must not show weakness leads to massive repression processes. Young men internalise these impossible standards and develop a false self that systematically excludes their authentic needs and feelings.
Psychoanalytic observation shows that young men are particularly susceptible to these unconscious distortions. They are more likely to develop addictive behaviour as a substitute for suppressed emotional needs. The perception of masculinity as pure dominance leads to a neurotic fixation on power and control. Many young men struggle with fragile self-esteem because they have abandoned their authentic selves in favour of a rigid mask.
A study by the Men’s Health Foundation shows that men live on average five years less than women – a direct result of these psychodynamic distortions. The refusal to seek help or allow feelings stems from a deep fear of the collapse of the painstakingly maintained façade. The fact that men constantly have to prove their own masculinity shows the neurotic nature of this identity construction.
3. Why toxic masculinity ideals dominate the digital age
Social media reinforces toxic masculinity through a perverse form of digital transmission. Platforms such as TikTok and Instagram function as gigantic projection screens on which toxic masculinity ideals go viral. These digital spaces promote a narcissistic culture of permanent self-promotion that fits particularly well with the grandiose fantasies of toxic masculinity.
The popularity of influencers such as the Liver King, who devours raw organs, or Paul Saladino, who rants about vegetables in supermarkets, shows a regression to primitive, oral fixations. These figures embody a fantasised return to a ‘primitive’ state of masculine power that denies the complexity of modern masculinity. Boys and men seek liberation from the ambiguities of contemporary gender roles in these extreme performances.
The problem is exacerbated by the fact that toxic masculine behaviour is marketed as ‘authentic.’ However, this supposed authenticity corresponds to a regressive fantasy that inhibits psychological development. Men believe they are returning to their ‘true nature,’ when in fact they are merely reinforcing neurotic defence mechanisms that prevent them from achieving genuine self-awareness.
4. The Oedipal dimension of extreme alpha influencers’ images of masculinity
Extreme alpha influencers such as Andrew Tate or the Liver King act as perverse father figures in the collective male unconscious. They offer a toxic solution to the unresolved Oedipus complex of many modern men who grew up without a strong father figure. These figures propagate a fantasised male omnipotence that denies castration and enables grandiose identification with the ‘evil father’.
Psychoanalytic observation shows that these influencers replace the paternal superego with a perverse structure that establishes aggression and dominance as the highest values. They offer an apparent solution to the Oedipal problem by replacing submission to the law of the father with identification with an omnipotent, violent father image. However, this structure is deeply pathological, as it prevents genuine autonomy and mature masculinity.
The shift in social consciousness makes it clear that these toxic father figures are a symptom of the collapse of traditional patriarchal structures. While this collapse could, in principle, have a liberating effect, for many men, it leads to a regressive longing for authoritarian leaders. These men cling to outdated ideals because they cannot bear the fear of the psychological work of individuation.
5. Narcissism and delusions of grandeur in alpha male culture
Alpha male culture is essentially a narcissistic disorder on a societal scale. While healthy masculinity is based on genuine self-reflection and empathetic relationships, the toxic variant promotes grandiose self-images and the objectification of others. Figures such as the Liver King embody the pathological narcissist who seeks to compensate for his inner emptiness through extreme physical performance and ritualised behaviour.
The difference is particularly evident in the relationship to one’s own vulnerability. Toxic male figures stage a fantasised invulnerability that represents a neurotic defence against the reality of human limitations. They understand strength as the destruction of all ‘weak’ aspects, rather than integrating them into a mature personality structure. This split creates chronic inner tension, preventing authentic interpersonal connections.
Modern masculinity, on the other hand, requires the integration of repressed personality traits and the acceptance of one’s own incompleteness. Men can be both assertive and empathetic without falling into neurotic extremes. However, this wholeness requires the painful task of self-analysis and a willingness to confront one’s own shadow aspects.
6. What transfer processes propagate toxic male role models?
The emergence of toxic male role models follows specific transfer patterns that are established in early childhood. Men who are attracted to extreme alpha influencers often project unresolved conflicts with absent or weak father figures onto these media surrogate fathers. This transference promises the belated fulfilment of earlier fantasies of grandeur and the repair of narcissistic injuries.
Successful alpha influencers intuitively understand these unconscious mechanisms and present themselves as omnipotent father figures who can solve all problems through simple acts of will. They demonstrate a fantasised mastery over their bodies, drives and environment, which activates regressive desires for symbiotic fusion in their followers. These men promise to transform their followers into omnipotent warriors through imitation.
It is essential to recognise that these transferences are based on a fundamental misjudgement. The apparent strength of these figures is a performance that conceals their own unresolved conflicts and narcissistic deficits. Identifying with them does not lead to genuine autonomy, but instead reinforces neurotic dependency structures and prevents the development of a mature, integrated personality.
7. Why toxic masculinity leads to psychosomatic symptoms in more and more men
The connection between toxic masculinity and psychosomatic symptoms can be understood psychoanalytically as the conversion of repressed emotions. Men who follow toxic masculinity ideals systematically suppress their emotional needs and transform them into physical symptoms. Constant self-monitoring and the pressure to conform to an impossible ideal lead to chronic muscle tension, cardiovascular disease and other stress-related ailments.
The extent of psychological distortion is demonstrated by the fact that toxic masculinity leads to higher suicide rates. Men internalise their aggression when they can no longer direct it outward, leading to auto-aggressive actions and even suicide. The idea that ‘real men’ must solve their problems alone isolates them from vital support systems and reinforces narcissistic isolation.
The effects of toxic masculinity ideals also extend to the relationship with one’s own body. Men often develop an instrumental view of their bodies as machines that must be optimised and controlled. This objectification of one’s own body leads to disturbed eating habits, excessive training and an inability to perceive physical needs for rest and care. This division between mind and body makes men’s behaviour deeply pathological.
8. Masculinity ideals, unhealthy role models and the regressive mechanisms behind extreme carnivore diets
The fixation of extreme alpha influencers on meat diets can be understood psychoanalytically as a regression to oral stages of development. The Liver King, who consumes raw organs, and Paul Saladino, who eats only meat and fruit, stage a fanciful return to a pre-civilised state. These diets function as a regressive object that conveys the illusion of male primalness and closeness to nature.
The psychodynamic significance lies in the symbiotic fantasy of merging with an omnipotent mother object – ‘nature’ – that fulfils all needs without effort. At the same time, this regression is masculinised by the act of meat consumption and freed from its original ‘feminine’ connotation. The carnivore diet promises the fulfilment of oral needs without injury, so it is associated with narcissism.
A particularly perfidious aspect is the rationalisation of these regressive impulses through pseudo-scientific arguments. Men can indulge in their primitive fantasies while at the same time demonstrating their intellectual superiority by rejecting ‘mainstream’ nutritional wisdom. This structure makes it possible to satisfy regressive needs without having to give up the narcissistic fantasy of grandeur.
9. New role models and paths to male identity
The development of a mature male identity requires the systematic working through of neurotic defence structures and the integration of repressed personality parts. Men must learn to recognise their unconscious transference patterns and dissolve the projective identifications that bind them to toxic role models. This process often requires professional psychoanalytic or depth psychological work.
Practical steps include developing the ability to self-reflect and the willingness to accept painful truths about one’s own personality structure. Men can learn to perceive and express their emotions without experiencing them as a threat to their sense of masculinity. It is also important to work on early object relationships and resolve symbiotic fusion desires.
The development of authentic masculinity is a lifelong process of individuation that requires a continuous willingness to engage in self-analysis. Men can learn to sublimate their destructive drives and develop their creative potential. By integrating their ‘anima’ – the feminine aspects of their personality – they develop the ability to form mature, empathetic relationships without losing their masculine identity.
Psychoanalytic insights into toxic masculinity
• Toxic masculinity refers to a pathological distortion of male identity formation based on massive repression processes and narcissistic defence structures.
• Extreme alpha influencers function as perverse father figures in the collective unconscious and offer toxic solutions to unresolved Oedipal conflicts.
• Digital transmission processes reinforce toxic masculinity ideals through narcissistic projection surfaces and regressive identification possibilities
• Carnivore diets and extreme practices represent regressive fantasies of returning to a pre-civilisational state of male omnipotence.
• Psychosomatic symptoms arise from the conversion of repressed affects and the instrumental relationship to one’s own body
• Narcissistic fantasies of grandeur compensate for fundamental fears of castration and loss, but prevent genuine psychological maturation
• Transmission patterns onto toxic role models reproduce unresolved conflicts with absent or weak father figures
• Authentic transformation requires the systematic working through of neurotic defence structures and the integration of repressed personality parts.
• New male archetypes emerge through the overcoming of rigid role models and the development of integrated gender identities.
• The individuation process enables the sublimation of destructive drives and the unfolding of creative, empathic potential without the loss of male identity.
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