Rob Henderson's Boston Globe Op-Ed Warns of 'Porous Character' in Path to Online Extremism

Rob Henderson, a columnist for The Boston Globe and Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, has published a new opinion piece examining the psychological pathways that draw young men into online extremism. The article, which Henderson highlighted in a recent tweet, directly quotes Nietzsche's warning: > "If you repeat an idea often enough, you begin to believe it. This is the warning behind Nietzsche’s line about gazing into the abyss...character is porous. No one engages with dark ideas and emerges completely unchanged." This analysis underscores how repeated exposure to harmful ideologies can fundamentally alter an individual's character.

Henderson's piece, published in The Boston Globe, delves into the phenomenon of young men being drawn into online forums rife with taboo ideas, including antisemitism, racism, and sexism. He argues that individuals often adopt extreme opinions for social or political reasons, with the act of expressing these views subsequently shaping their internal beliefs. The column emphasizes that even feigned or ironic engagement with such concepts can gradually solidify into genuine conviction.

The article identifies key factors contributing to this vulnerability, such as feelings of alienation, a perceived lack of strong male guidance, and societal narratives that assign blame to young men for historical injustices. Henderson points out that this environment creates fertile ground for online influencers like Nick Fuentes and Andrew Tate, who capitalize on these frustrations. These figures offer simplistic answers and a sense of belonging, contrasting with more traditional mentorship.

Henderson details how young men initially echo transgressive ideas to gain acceptance within these online groups, often as a "pose" or "joke." However, as these views are applauded and reinforced, the distinction between irony and conviction eroding. The piece also highlights the difficulty of exiting these circles due to potential social blackmail. Henderson concludes by advocating for the creation of "off-ramps" and a concerted effort to rebuild trust, urging leaders to acknowledge young men's experiences to guide them away from extremist influences.