[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”1px||1px||true|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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An investment banker-slash-serial killer might sound like an unlikely inspirational figure, but thanks to the power of TikTok, this has become a reality for many boys.<\/span><\/p>\n In 2023, #sigma gained <\/span>over 46 billion views<\/span><\/a> on TikTok, and Patrick Bateman, the fictional character from American Psycho, is the star of many of these memes and videos.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cSigma\u201d, the \u201csigma male\u201d, and terms such as \u201cmewing\u201d and \u201clooksmaxxing\u201d are straight from the \u201cmanosphere\u201d<\/b>, the name given to a network of websites, blogs, and forums that promote masculinity and men\u2019s rights – with a side of misogyny.<\/span><\/p>\n For many, sigma and similar memes are sources of humor and nothing more. But for some, it can be a gateway into potentially dangerous ideology.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Sigma comes from the \u201csigma male\u201d, the newest pseudoscientific, male archetype based on a Greek letter; like alpha and beta. The sigma emerged from the manosphere in the early 2010s to describe a man who\u2019s just too unconventional to be considered an alpha or beta male.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For those unfamiliar, the concept of alpha and beta males comes from the animal kingdom, particularly within social species like wolves. An alpha shows traits like confidence, dominance, strength, and leadership; while a beta is roughly the opposite: submissive, supportive, and passive.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n According to Know Your Meme, a website dedicated to documenting internet phenomena<\/span>, <\/b>the sigma male is successful and popular, but also silent and rebellious, a type of man who likes to “play by his own rules.”<\/i><\/b> In most analyses, they are considered “equal” to Alphas on the hierarchy but live outside of the hierarchy by choice.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n Role models for the sigma include John Wick, Han Solo, and the infamous Patrick Bateman. Users of <\/span>Urban Dictionary<\/span><\/a> may have got it right when they describe the sigma as \u201cwhat all 10 year olds think they are.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The sigma has become a basis for countless memes found across Reddit<\/a>, X, and other platforms. Originally, sigma memes were sincere attempts to spread the word of this new male archetype, telling the world that the person behind the post was <\/span>definitely<\/span><\/i> the cool, mysterious type – at least on social media.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The sigma meme evolved to become ironic and satirical, taking a swipe at anyone who identifies as a sigma male and at the manosphere in general. Sigma memes often include an image of Patrick Bateman or Gus Fring from Breaking Bad with an overconfident quote the characters never actually said – usually to explain how much richer\/better\/sexier the poster is than the person reading it.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2024\/08\/27124136\/2024-07-WhatIsTheSigmaTrendOnline_InsideImage.png” alt=”teenage boy looking out window” title_text=”2024-07-WhatIsTheSigmaTrendOnline_InsideImage” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Mewing is a technique whereby one can, allegedly, permanently improve the appearance of the jawline by resting the tongue against the roof of the mouth.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The practice was popularised by, and named after, a British orthodontist called John Mew back in the 1970s. Mew believes that modern jaws are weaker than our ancestors due to diets that include softer foods and an increase in mouth breathing. The technique, he claims, helps force the jaw to grow larger, teeth to become straighter and better aligned, and facial proportions to become more aesthetically pleasing.<\/span><\/p>\n Despite there being absolutely no scientific evidence that mewing changes the shape of the jaw, it\u2019s gained a lot of traction on social media, especially on TikTok where <\/span>#mewing<\/span><\/a> brings up over 400k posts. Like many crazes, it has made its way into the classroom, where kids are <\/span>annoying teachers<\/span><\/a> by using mewing as an excuse not to respond to questions.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Mewing is an example of \u201clooksmaxxing\u201d, an umbrella term for lengths that young men go to to improve their physical appearance – usually to up their chances on dating apps where they believe a chiseled jawline or a six-pack can turn a left swipe into a right.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n While facial gymnastics are harmless enough, looksmaxxing, and its cousin, gymmaxxing, has led to teenage boys having cosmetic surgery, experimenting with steroids, and even <\/span>fracturing their own jaws<\/span><\/a> in the vain hope they\u2019ll look more chad-like when they\u2019ve healed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n While most of it is a source of humor, sigma, mewing, and looksmaxxing content can potentially lead young boys down problematic paths. This could be to the dark regions of the manosphere where misogyny is rife, or toward extreme and dangerous measures to improve physical appearances.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This is another reminder of how important it is for parents to play an active role in their kids\u2019 online lives. Here are just a few ways you can help:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\nWhat does sigma mean?<\/b><\/h2>\n
What are sigma memes?<\/b><\/h2>\n
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What is mewing and why are boys doing it?<\/b><\/h2>\n
What is looksmaxxing?<\/b><\/h2>\n
Should parents be concerned?<\/b><\/h2>\n
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