Meet gen X: middle-aged, enraged and radicalised by internet bile | Gaby Hinsliff

Generation X, previously seen as moderate, is becoming increasingly radicalized by online discourse, leading to a rise in populist sentiment. This demographic, now middle-aged and facing midlife anxieties like job insecurity and changing family dynamics, is channeling their rage and disappointment into extreme political views. Unlike the stereotypical culprits of populist movements, such as older generations or young people influenced by online influencers, it is Generation X who are increasingly driving this shift. Evidence suggests that Generation X is not as adept at separating online content from real-life behavior as they believe. The internet's unregulated nature has eroded social norms, allowing previously shocking or fringe ideas to be voiced casually in public spaces. This has contributed to a general sense of emboldenment in expressing controversial or hateful opinions, impacting various settings from checkout lines to school gates and even public facilities. The phenomenon highlights a shift where individual... download the app to read more