Narcissism seems to have taken on a new name: socialism.
It’s not shocking, really, that a generation raised on social media might come off as a bit self-absorbed. We see this in the decline of marriage rates, falling birth numbers, and rising mental health issues. Politically, this self-focus manifests in an unsettling number of young people who view socialism positively.
Socialism is gaining traction as youngsters indulge in the moral high ground offered by communist ideology, all while feeding into the influencer culture’s obsession with self.
Recently, the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) have made strides in various elections nationwide. It doesn’t seem like any area is immune to their growing influence, whether it’s Zoran Mamdani in New York City or Melat Quiros in Colorado.
Mamdani’s victory in the New York mayoral race boosted the party’s image significantly. When he started his campaign in October 2024, DSA had about 5,000 members in urban chapters and around 50,000 nationally. However, after his win, membership in New York City tripled while national figures reached about 100,000 by February.
Now, DSA is shifting its recruitment approach, moving away from anger and targeting college students, appealing to the self-centeredness often seen in today’s youth.
Mamdani’s campaign messages notably tapped into the younger demographics, helping him rally more young voters. His strong online presence propelled him to success in America’s largest city. Other DSA candidates like Claire Valdez and Abdul El-Sayed also adopted Mamdani’s effective strategies.
By actively participating in election campaigns, they enhance their social standing and broaden their voting base.
DSA candidates thrive because they don’t position themselves just as politicians; they present as influential figures.
Their events have a nightclub vibe, filled with celebrities. Their TikTok clips showcase a picturesque, idealized version of the cities they represent. Young followers aren’t confronted with the grim realities like homelessness or violent incidents. Instead, DSA candidates seem to shield them from the harmful effects of the very policies they advocate.
Older conservatives, especially those who grew up during or after the Cold War, often wonder, “Can’t these young socialists see their cities crumbling around them?” Perhaps they do notice graffiti, unreliable public transport, and urban occupations. Yet, they tend to ignore or attribute these issues to “capitalism,” while being captivated by Mamdani jovially walking with New Yorkers over a bagel.
They fixate on his charming demeanor as he reads to preschoolers or encourages a community spirit over personal assets.
DSA operates much like a social media influencer, showcasing how wonderful life can be if you embrace the right ideology. In this case, the ideology is a chic, Instagram-friendly version of socialism.
One figure who exemplifies this socialist-influencer model is Hasan Piker. Gaining a sizable following from his lengthy Twitch streams, he discusses communist theories while engaging an ever-growing audience.
Piker often rubs shoulders with liberal elites and has even been spotted at high-profile events dressed in a Mao-inspired outfit. He shares images of himself seemingly “reading” Lenin and donning expensive suits at rallies for Palestinian freedom.
Despite his radical statements—like suggesting streets should run red with capitalist blood—he could easily be seen as a version of a socialist Mr. Beast.
Piker and Mamdani reflect the troubling self-centeredness ingrained in the emerging socialist movement. Young people appear fixated on personal branding: a recent poll suggested that 86% of respondents aspired to be influencers, making it the fourth most sought-after career for Americans aged 13 to 38.
Socialism is on the rise largely because many young individuals revel in the false moral superiority of communist propaganda, which aligns comfortably with the self-focused culture of influencers. It’s, well, a troubling combination.
Kids trying to build their online presence can just post about abolishing ICE or enforcing rent control. They seem blissfully unaware that their iPhones and Instagram accounts were birthed from the very capitalist structures they decry. What truly matters is that they find their reflection in every nook and cranny of their world.
