System Update with Glenn Greenwald Young Men and Online Radicalization: Dissecting Internet Subcultures with Lee Fang, Katherine Dee, and Evan Barker
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Sep 17, 2025 
Katherine Dee, a culture writer specializing in internet subcultures, and Evan Barker, a former Democratic fundraiser, offer insightful commentary on the radicalization of young men online. They discuss the troubling rise of 'Zoomer sadism' and the dangers of social isolation exacerbated by the pandemic. The duo explores how mainstream political narratives often fail to address the real struggles faced by young men. They also dive into the ethics of free speech and cancel culture, highlighting the need for thoughtful dialogue in today's polarized climate.
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Purpose Filled A Political Void
- Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA mobilized young men by offering purpose, mission, and skills rather than purely ideological rhetoric.
- That organizing filled a void that helped shift young men toward the Republican Party in 2024.
Memes Mask Deep Despair
- Many vulnerable young men adopt a "black pill" nihilism where memes and irony mask deep anxiety and hopelessness.
- That culture rewards ever-more shocking content to stand out, increasing risk of violent acts or self-destruction.
Kiwi Farms And Zoomer Sadism
- Katherine Dee describes Kiwi Farms as a controversial gossip site where "Zoomer sadism" is discussed openly.
- She says users there and in Discord often post gore and intentionally traumatize younger people as a joke.