BUCHAREST, ROMANIA: Andrew Tate, the self-proclaimed controversial influencer, is notorious for sharing opinions that stir controversy within the online community.

Despite the divisive nature of his content, his influence continues to expand, especially among younger audiences.

Recently, two Romanian boys shared their perspectives on how Tate has influenced them.

Tate's arrest sparked a wave of support from his fans and followers, who criticized the government for detaining him. It's worth noting that Tate had previously accused the system of unfairly targeting him, and for putting him under house arrest.

He was ultimately released in August 2023 after successfully winning the appeal, yet his legal battle continues.

Andrew Tate's influence explained by Romanian boys

Amidst a high-profile legal battle, including allegations of human trafficking, organized crime, sexual assault, and the revelation of disturbing details from his prosecution files, Tate's influence has extended globally, particularly among young boys and men.

Even in Romania, some individuals have been affected by his troubling ideologies concerning manhood.

One such individual is Ion, a 17-year-old aspiring basketball player, who believes that media outlets are worsening public sentiment against Tate.

In a conversation with Al Jazeera, Ion expressed his views, asserting that the media's portrayal of Tate is akin to their handling of issues like climate change and LGBTQ rights.

He argued that the media benefits from fostering divisions among people and pitting them against one another.

According to Al Jazeera Ion said, "They are lying, just as they did with climate change and LGBTQ issues. The media benefits from this, from the divisions they create amongst us, from turning one against the other.”

Marius, a 16-year-old home-schooled student hailing from Bucharest, expressed a different perspective to Al Jazeera, noting that Tate has had a positive impact on him. Marius acknowledged that whether Tate is ultimately found guilty or not, his influence continues to expand.

According to Al Jazeera, Marius said, "He might be found guilty or not, but his influence keeps on growing."

Ion conveyed to Al Jazeera that he finds inspiration in Tate but is relatively indifferent to his real-life actions and choices.

He emphasized his attentiveness to Tate's online presence, regularly watching his videos, following his content, and considering them relevant to today's world. In a world where the slightest mislabeling or misgendering can lead to cancellation, Ion values Tate's perspectives.

According to Al Jazeera Ion said, "I care and listen to what he says online, I watch his videos, I get them on my feed, and I find them relevant for our times, for our crappy world, where you can be cancelled from simply mislabeling something or misgendering someone.”

On the other hand, Marius credited Tate with motivating him to adopt a healthier lifestyle, hit the gym, engage in sports, and cease complaining while embracing a more proactive approach to life.

He explained that he used to closely follow Tate's opinions but now selectively absorbs what benefits him, leaving the rest behind. Marius admitted to feeling adrift without a clear sense of direction, but through Tate's videos, he found guidance and insight.

According to Al Jazeera Marius said, "[Tate] motivated me to go to the gym, to do some sports, to stop complaining and to be more proactive in my life. I used to follow him more rigorously, to care more about his opinions, but now I take only what is beneficial for myself and leave everything else behind.

“[I felt] lost, without a clear direction, but with the help of his videos, I was able to learn.”

Psychologist reacts to Andrew Tate's influence on young boys

Raul Lupas, a clinical psychologist based in Bucharest, expresses concerns about comments of this nature to Al Jazeera. Lupas asserts that while pro-fitness campaigns can have their benefits, Tate's messaging often encourages excessive self-righteousness, fostering the notion that achieving one's goals justifies any means necessary.

Additionally, Lupas points out that Tate's influence is amplified by his promise of achieving highly desirable outcomes with minimal effort.

This approach lacks a solid foundation in a comprehensive understanding of the world and does not encourage intellectual growth or learning. Instead, it offers a quick route for individuals with undefined identities to grasp a sense of belonging.

According to Al Jazeera Lupas said, "Andrew Tate is even more powerful because he promises something very desirable with the minimum amount of effort needed.

This approach relies on no concrete understanding of the world and does not promote understanding or learning, but rather a fast way for someone without a clearly defined identity to develop a feeling of belonging.”