In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in how society views gender roles, identity, and personal values. One of the most profound changes has been in the evolving role of women, largely influenced by modern feminism.
While feminism began as a movement to empower women and provide equal opportunities, many argue that its contemporary form is leading to the erosion of traditional femininity.
This decline, coupled with the rise of social media-fueled narcissism, particularly among younger women, is creating a cultural shift that deserves critical examination.
The Origins of Feminism: A Noble Cause
Feminism, at its core, started as a movement advocating for the rights and equal opportunities of women. It challenged systemic oppression, sexism, and discriminatory practices in the workplace, home, and society at large.
Thanks to early feminists, women can now vote, work, and enjoy a level of independence that wasn’t possible in previous generations.
However, the shift from equality-based feminism to what some call “third-wave feminism” has raised concerns about the movement’s impact on femininity and social dynamics.
The Current State of Feminism: A Battle Against Femininity?
Modern feminism seems to have veered away from promoting equality to embracing ideologies that discourage traditional femininity. Femininity, which has long been associated with traits such as nurturing, compassion, empathy, and grace, is increasingly viewed as weakness.
Women are told that to be strong, they must embrace traditionally masculine traits like assertiveness, ambition, and independence at all costs. Traits like emotional vulnerability, selflessness, or being family-oriented are often stigmatized as backward or regressive.
This new wave of feminism paints femininity as something to be ashamed of, reinforcing the idea that success in life comes through competition with men rather than cooperation.
Women are now encouraged to focus on their careers, wealth accumulation, and personal goals above all else, which may inadvertently push away qualities like kindness, warmth, and sensitivity that traditionally defined femininity.
The subtle yet growing distaste for femininity can be seen in popular culture, social media, and even everyday conversations.
The Rise of Narcissism: Social Media’s Role in Shaping Women’s Psyche
Alongside this erosion of traditional femininity, there has been a stark rise in narcissistic behavior, particularly among younger women.
Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, while initially designed to connect people, have morphed into digital arenas where image, status, and validation reign supreme.
The constant pressure to curate an idealized version of oneself — filtered photos, “perfect” lifestyles, and an endless need for likes and comments — has pushed many women toward narcissistic tendencies.
Women are now being praised for putting themselves first, while the lines between confidence and arrogance blur.
The constant focus on appearance and self-promotion has created a generation where vanity often replaces self-worth.
Narcissism, defined by an inflated sense of self-importance, a need for excessive admiration, and a lack of empathy for others, is becoming a growing trend among younger women who are taught that the world revolves around them and their desires.
With social media covertly promoting this mindset, it’s no surprise that many younger women are developing inflated egos. Phrases like “I don’t need anyone” or “I’m a queen” are not just motivational anymore — they’ve become self-serving mantras.
This environment fosters comparison, envy, and a distorted sense of self, leading to greater dissatisfaction, shallow relationships, and an inability to form deep, meaningful connections.
How Feminism and Narcissism Intersect
So how do modern feminism and rising narcissism among women intertwine? The answer lies in how the feminist movement now promotes a version of independence and self-reliance that borders on self-obsession.
The idea that women should never need anyone else, especially men, has become pervasive. Feminism’s message has transformed from “equal rights” to “you don’t need anyone but yourself.”
This extreme form of individualism nurtures narcissistic tendencies, as it encourages women to focus only on their own desires, often at the expense of relationships, family, and community.
Empathy, collaboration, and emotional intimacy — qualities that require vulnerability — are discouraged. In fact, they are sometimes viewed as signs of weakness or submission.
As a result, younger generations are increasingly growing up with the belief that their happiness and success are tied exclusively to their self-promotion and external validation rather than forming lasting, meaningful relationships.
The normalization of this mindset creates a vacuum of fulfillment, as no amount of social media likes or individual achievements can substitute genuine human connection and emotional depth.
The Impact on Society
This trend is not without its societal consequences. As traditional femininity continues to be undermined, the ability for women to embrace roles like motherhood, nurturing relationships, and partnership becomes more difficult.
The feminist movement’s anti-femininity narrative has led to an increase in unhappy women who, while successful in their careers, feel a void in their personal lives.
Moreover, the rise of narcissistic behavior creates an emotionally disconnected society. The result is relationships that lack genuine connection, higher rates of loneliness, and an increased focus on individualism at the cost of community.
How to Turn This Ship Around: The Path Back to Balance
Despite this bleak picture, there is hope. It is possible to steer away from this harmful trajectory and reclaim a balance that honors both equality and femininity. Here are some steps we can take to turn things around:
- Redefine Feminism to Include Femininity
Feminism does not have to be at odds with femininity. Women should be free to embrace their natural feminine traits without feeling judged or inferior. Feminism can champion both professional success and the desire for family and nurturing roles. It’s time for the movement to broaden its definition of empowerment and allow for the coexistence of career-driven women and those who wish to embrace traditional gender roles. - Encourage Genuine Connection Over Surface-Level Validation
Social media platforms must be recognized for what they are: tools that can harm self-esteem and promote vanity. Teaching younger generations to seek validation from within and prioritize deeper, real-life connections over digital affirmation is crucial. Young women should be encouraged to form authentic relationships that aren’t centered around appearance, social status, or wealth. - Emphasize Emotional Intelligence and Empathy
Emotional intelligence — our ability to recognize, understand, and manage our emotions — should be at the forefront of education. Fostering empathy, cooperation, and emotional awareness will help break the narcissism cycle. Women should be encouraged to cultivate emotional intelligence and to recognize the value in relationships that require vulnerability. - Promote Healthy Role Models
The rise of influencers who promote toxic behaviors — whether through unattainable beauty standards or self-centered attitudes — must be countered by promoting healthy, balanced role models. These role models should represent diverse paths to happiness, showcasing that success can be defined by career, family, relationships, or a combination of all three. - Foster Communities of Women Supporting Women
Instead of fostering competition, society should promote communities where women support each other, build each other up, and value one another’s unique strengths. This can help combat the isolation and disconnection that come from narcissism. Women’s groups that focus on cooperation, kindness, and emotional support will help create a healthier culture.
Conclusion: Reclaiming Femininity and Redefining Empowerment
The current trajectory of feminism, intertwined with rising narcissism, is leading many young women down a path of dissatisfaction and emotional disconnection.
By re-embracing traditional feminine traits alongside modern ideals of equality, society can create a new version of empowerment that is both balanced and fulfilling.
Social media may play a role in this narcissistic rise, but with intentional shifts in values and culture, we can bring humanity back to the forefront.
The solution lies in fostering empathy, emotional connection, and a more nuanced understanding of what it means to be both empowered and feminine in today’s world.
