The phenomenon of "irony poisoning" describes how users initially share extreme ideas as jokes to provoke others ("shitposting"). Over time, this repeated ironic engagement leads them to internalize and genuinely adopt the once-feigned beliefs.

The shooter developed gender dysphoria after immersing himself in sexualized anime subcultures. He became fixated on resembling the 'cute and petite' female characters, suggesting his trans identification was an outgrowth of a fetish rather than an innate sense of identity.

Beyond specific ideology, the simple act of defiance against a culture perceived as hectoring is a powerful source of appeal. For a generation that feels constantly criticized, this rebellious posture is seen as strength and authenticity, regardless of the message's content.

Humans have a "God-shaped hole"—a fundamental need for shared values and community, historically filled by religion. As formal religion wanes, the internet facilitates the creation of new tribes. These online groups provide belonging but are often pathological and based on grievance.

Historically, unpartnered young men caused societal disruption. This is less prevalent today because digital media provides titrated doses of sexual satisfaction (porn), status-seeking (video games), and community (screens), pacifying them out of real-world disruptive action. This creates men who are "useless" rather than "dangerous."

Digital cults leverage social media algorithms to reinforce their followers' dependence. By constantly feeding members the same worldview, these algorithms create a powerful echo chamber. This digital immersion makes the group's perspective feel like the "normal world," deepening psychological manipulation and isolation.

Our identities, such as gender, aren't purely internal; they are social constructs defined by communities. They only become 'real' when they are affirmed through our interactions and relationships. We become who we are if people engage with us as if we are.

Historically, men derived group identity from being "the default" within societal institutions. As these institutions lose their central hold, some men are experiencing a disorienting loss of power, leading them to form radical, grievance-based tribes to find a new sense of identity.

For deeply troubled youth and their parents, reframing a host of difficult issues—trauma, anxiety, depression—as a single problem of gender dysphoria is appealing. It offers a seemingly simple fix (transition) for problems that are otherwise overwhelming and hard to treat.