Between dominant Alpha Males and the submissive Beta Males, a new type of man arises from the internet: The Sigma Male. In Internet conversations, the term ballooned this decade, but Google's Ngram viewer surprisingly reveals it's been around for more than 150 years (!).
While not everything about this relatively new internet buzz is great, there are a few things we can learn from the Sigma Male archetype.
What is a Sigma Male?
The Sigma Male is a self-reliant male, immune to societal rules and pleas for approval, fiercely independent, and introverted. It's modelled after American Psycho's lead character, Patrick Bateman, played by Christian Bale.
If you don't need anyone else to be happy and fulfilled, you're a Sigma Male.
If you need a quick refresher of American Psycho, you'll remember that Bateman was a banker, posing as the picture-perfect employee, when in reality, he was a violent, narcissistic murderer, slowly turning mad because of it. Not exactly the definition of a role model, right?
But internet crowds work in mysterious ways. TikTok users began to idolize his aloof, self-controlled style and how "he took" over his own existence (opposite to what a beta male does), despite what was going on beneath the waters.
It quickly became a meme — part satire, part self-help model for introverted men who seek personal strength but don’t identify with Alpha or Beta stereotypes. Many users (especially females) commented on the irresistibility of Bateman. And others were also concerned about how this meme could inspire toxic masculinity in men and children, if not properly understood as crude humor. It can’t be denied, the Sigma Male took the internet up by storm.
Sigma Male vs. Alpha Male: Which Is Better?
Alpha Males are dominant leaders who seek control and admiration. Beta Males are agreeable, supportive, and less confrontational. And Sigma Males defy the hierarchy altogether, doing their own thing.
Compared to Alphas and Betas, Sigma Males tend to be more self-reflective and grounded, but may often struggle to build strong social relationships. Honestly, there’s no “best” type. Each has its strengths and limitations, depending on the situation.
What is a Sigma Male Personality?
This is what the Sigma Male, who is often called the "lone wolf," stands for:
- Self-reliant: He doesn't depend on others for validation or making decisions.
- Beyond what society expects: He doesn't try to control or submit, and he would rather not be in the hierarchy at all.
- Independent: He lives by his own rules and values.
- Introverted: Prefers being alone and thinking deeply.
As you can see, the Sigma Male persona typically appeals to those who lack self-confidence and who feel out of place in traditional hierarchies. For men out of luck chasing love, the Sigma Male type sounds appealing, since Bateman’s mystique and attractiveness have women swooning. However, the flip side is that such strong independence can turn into deep loneliness and emotional isolation. If you’re the only one rowing the boat, who will have your back?
How to Become a Sigma Male (Without Becoming a Psycho)
It goes without saying, you shouldn’t imitate Patrick Bateman. Please don’t become a murderer, an incel, or a misanthrope. If the Sigma Male has struck a chord with you (at least that's what it struck, and not Bateman's kitchen knife), then look to adopt the Sigma traits that can boost your personal growth:
- Know yourself: Identify your values and stick to them, with clear boundaries.
- Also, know others: Sigma Males know exactly what's going on, even if they don't say it out loud. Learn more about other people's feelings by observing and listening.
- Freedom from expectations: Stop trying to please other people, don't look for approval, and question the status quo.
Becoming a Sigma Male isn't so much about fitting a label as it is about being intentional, self-sufficient, and confident. When it comes to attraction, being true to yourself and others is more powerful than being a real-world clone of a literal psycho like Patrick Bateman.
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