Chapter 1: Understanding Masculinity in the Digital Age

I identify as a man, and while I mean no offense with this assertion, it’s a fundamental truth of my existence. My biological and psychological traits align with this identity. However, I have never experienced life as a woman or in any other gender identity, so I cannot fully comprehend those perspectives.

Before I delve deeper into this personal reflection, I must highlight an unavoidable truth: the relentless influence of testosterone. I grapple with the effects of this hormone daily, recognizing that my awareness sets me apart from those who may remain oblivious to their own struggles.

It's crucial for us to acknowledge the role of testosterone in our lives before it’s too late. The internet, in many ways, dumbs us down.

The "real men" may disagree, but I believe that high testosterone levels hinder our evolution. This hormone contributes to shorter lifespans and diminishes our roles in nurturing the next generation—two significant indicators of our contributions to society. Consequently, our genetic legacy is less pronounced.

Furthermore, I suspect that men may lack intelligence at times. Daily, we witness foolish behaviors predominantly carried out by men. While the innate risk-taking among males plays a role in human advancement, today’s reckless actions often lead us to absurd outcomes, like eating Tide pods for social media fame.

Consider the internet: it rarely fosters genuine progress for humanity. Yes, it allows us to share ideas and research crucial safety information, such as what to do during a lightning storm, which once saved my life during a walk in Scotland. Yet, the overwhelming presence of stupidity dominates online interactions.

For example, the rise of Donald Trump in the 2016 election and the harmful spread of misinformation can be largely attributed to the internet's influence. The rapid descent into ignorance has escalated since the advent of Internet 2.0.

In the past, information was shared within our immediate communities, limiting the spread of ideas. Today, however, social media allows us to connect instantaneously with a vast audience, often resulting in misguided support rather than genuine empathy.

I recall an incident where a mother, whose young child was drowning, turned to social media for prayers instead of focusing on her child’s rescue. This incident illustrates the alarming detachment from reality that the internet can foster, revealing a troubling trend in our society.

Chapter 2: The Rise of AI and Its Implications

There’s a growing notion, sometimes labeled a conspiracy theory, that AI has largely taken control of the internet, leading to the “dead internet theory.” While I won’t delve into this extensively, it suggests that artificial intelligence is generating a vast amount of content that we perceive as original.

The conversations we think we’re having may actually be interactions with algorithms, tailored to keep us engaged. This phenomenon mirrors the concept of a circular economy, where our online experiences lead us back to our original beliefs and reinforce our biases.

The content we consume feels personalized, instilling a sense of safety and validation. However, this is deceptive, as it distracts us from more meaningful pursuits.

Chapter 3: The Role of Testosterone in Global Conflict

Is the predominance of male leaders in global conflicts a result of societal oppression of women, or do women simply view leadership differently? I won't take a stance here, but it's worth noting that historically, queens were more likely to initiate wars than kings.

However, in modern times, men have often been responsible for some of humanity's most devastating wars. The catastrophic consequences of World War I and II serve as reminders of the destructive potential of unchecked testosterone.

Leaders driven by aggression and hate have caused immense suffering throughout history. The rise of modern conflicts, such as the ongoing war in Ukraine, can similarly be linked to toxic masculinity.

The internet has facilitated the spread of ignorance, allowing individuals like Putin to manipulate truth and perpetuate harmful ideologies. This has resulted in a society where misinformation reigns, and the lines between fact and fiction are increasingly blurred.

The same trends can be observed in right-wing movements around the world. The backlash against scientific and social progress often stems from a deep-seated fear of the unknown, exacerbated by the internet.

In conclusion, the pervasive stupidity fueled by the internet, combined with the unchecked influence of testosterone, creates a toxic environment that threatens the very fabric of our society. As we navigate this digital landscape, it might be time to reassess the influences shaping our world.