The far right here and elsewhere in Europe attracts an increasing number of young people, particularly men.

Summary

Support for Germany’s far-right AfD is surging among young men, driven by concerns over immigration, conservative values, and distrust of mainstream politics.

A Pew study found 26% of German men view AfD positively, compared to 11% of women.

Social media, particularly TikTok, has helped spread its message. Some young supporters reject accusations of extremism, while others openly embrace far-right views.

Analysts warn that if mainstream parties ease their opposition to the AfD, it could become Germany’s dominant right-wing party.

      • Maggoty@lemmy.worldEnglish
        4·
        2 days ago

        They kind of are though. There’s a reason the word Sophomore exists and is used to describe students multiple times in their education career.

        (Historically it means wise fool or; conceited and overconfident of knowledge but poorly informed and immature)

      • perestroika@lemm.eeEnglish
        3·
        2 days ago

        Probably not. But individuals on TikTok are definitely denying themselves an opportunity to get smarter.

        To be honest, a large percentage of people are intellectually very lazy (use emotion to decide, dont’ seek understanding but entertainment) and prone to being manipulated.

        A large percentage of people hunger for a sense of belonging and community (which extreme nationalism and a tribal attitude can offer to some degree).

        In the wasteland of corporate-controlled algorithmically steered social media (prime examples: TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube)… people who don’t have an analytical mindset will get themselves shut in a bubble, and subsequently tricked and conned in various ways.

        Brick and mortar social problems like a reduced chance of earning a good living by selling one’s labour - those pile on top of that. :(