As I stepped onto the grounds of a Chinese soyboy farm, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Rows upon rows of emasculated men and boys, lacking any sort of drive or ambition, just waiting to be fed with content by algorithms. This was the epitome of the soyboy culture that has been taking over social media platforms like TikTok and the latest versions of Instagram.
As I spoke to some of the men, they revealed that they have no interest in actively seeking out content or information. They would rather have it spoon-fed to them, catering to their every whim and fancy. And it’s not just limited to social media. They prefer to have automated systems, like AI assistants and smart homes, to do tasks for them instead of using their own hands and brains.
But why is this phenomenon so prevalent in China? It all boils down to the patriarchal society that values traditional masculine traits. These soyboys, with their weakened will and lack of initiative, are seen as less threatening and more submissive. This is why masculine men detest them and actively resist the new versions of Instagram and stick to the old.
It’s a disturbing trend, one that is only fueled by the ever-growing dependence on technology and automation. But it’s not just limited to China. The rise of soyboy culture can be seen in many parts of the world, with men losing their masculinity and becoming passive consumers of algorithmic content.
