Granted the terms "alpha" and "beta" approximate, in various ways, two polar ends of a continuum of male behavior (within a very limited universe of considered behaviors). Certain behaviors appear correlated with others that tend to cluster around one or the other poles.

However, there are at least three problems that I see with the overuse of these terms both on this board and the larger tubes.

First and most obviously, people - even men - are more complex than this. This isn't necessarily damning, because, like homo economicus, "alpha" and "beta" seem to be used largely as theoretical objects for the purpose of prediction rather than description. Or, at least, they would if properly used.

But the second problem is that they're never used this way. The terms are stretched far, far beyond their explanatory utility. "Alpha" and "beta" are used to provide reasons for literally every realm of male behavior, and they're usually unargued. If the terms were truly meaningful enough to account for the profligate modes of male behavior they'd be, well, more numerous. There would be shades of "alpha" and shades of "beta." But there aren't. There is one binary division. This isn't altogether fatal, either, but it certainly would seem to undermine the project. "Alpha" and "beta" should be used, if at all, as gesturing toward familial resemblances in behaviors, rather than as strict boundaries. But they're used in the second manner, and are now threadbare from overuse.

Probably the worst thing about these terms is that, not only is there no consensus, but there is vociferous opposition on what "alpha" and "beta" actually mean. Precious few behaviors will garner a supermajority of "180 alpha!" or "lol beta!" Each "alpha" comment invites a "beta" rejoinder, and an argument as to why the OP is, actually, beta to think that so-and-so is alpha. There is no principled way to decide, of course, since everyone who uses these terms seriously is an avowed MFE and alpha himself.

inb4 "lol beta"

(https://autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=1075328&forum_id=2#12636970)

Who is to say who is misusing the word? Maybe this is a problem with all incipient colloquialisms, but it's frustrating enough to me to shunt it totally.

Plus, I have to say, another big reason I can't stand to see them used is because the person delivering them is usually a puffed-up blowhard who calls himself "alpha" and is, actually, stupid and a douche. And if an "alpha" brags on the internet, well, common sense tells me to doubt him.

(https://autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=1075328&forum_id=2#12636983)

Author: askav

Who among you takes this shit deadly seriously?

Granted the terms "alpha" and "beta" approximate, in various ways, two polar ends of a continuum of male behavior (within a very limited universe of considered behaviors). Certain behaviors appear correlated with others that tend to cluster around one or the other poles.

However, there are at least three problems that I see with the overuse of these terms both on this board and the larger tubes.

First and most obviously, people - even men - are more complex than this. This isn't necessarily damning, because, like homo economicus, "alpha" and "beta" seem to be used largely as theoretical objects for the purpose of prediction rather than description. Or, at least, they would if properly used.

But the second problem is that they're never used this way. The terms are stretched far, far beyond their explanatory utility. "Alpha" and "beta" are used to provide reasons for literally every realm of male behavior, and they're usually unargued. If the terms were truly meaningful enough to account for the profligate modes of male behavior they'd be, well, more numerous. There would be shades of "alpha" and shades of "beta." But there aren't. There is one binary division. This isn't altogether fatal, either, but it certainly would seem to undermine the project. "Alpha" and "beta" should be used, if at all, as gesturing toward familial resemblances in behaviors, rather than as strict boundaries. But they're used in the second manner, and are now threadbare from overuse.

Probably the worst thing about these terms is that, not only is there no consensus, but there is vociferous opposition on what "alpha" and "beta" actually mean. Precious few behaviors will garner a supermajority of "180 alpha!" or "lol beta!" Each "alpha" comment invites a "beta" rejoinder, and an argument as to why the OP is, actually, beta to think that so-and-so is alpha. There is no principled way to decide, of course, since everyone who uses these terms seriously is an avowed MFE and alpha himself.

inb4 "lol beta"

(alpha/beta

Date: August 31st, 2009 2:59 AM

Author: askav

This is typical of why I find these terms so maddening. Not because of what you've said - I agree, to the extent possible with these words, that there is a such thing as "situational alphaness" - but rather that someone, whether they bother to or not, will think "NO, YOU'RE EITHER ALPHA OR YOU'RE NOT."

Who is to say who is misusing the word? Maybe this is a problem with all incipient colloquialisms, but it's frustrating enough to me to shunt it totally.

Plus, I have to say, another big reason I can't stand to see them used is because the person delivering them is usually a puffed-up blowhard who calls himself "alpha" and is, actually, stupid and a douche. And if an "alpha" brags on the internet, well, common sense tells me to doubt him.

(alpha/beta)

(https://autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=1075328&forum_id=2#12637009)

I think, and kindly grant this, that any questioning of the "alpha/beta" distinction - even on grounds of use of the words rather than the value of the distinction - invites policing from the "alpha/beta" orthodoxy.

It is the questioning itself that must be called "beta," in order that the queen is protected from idle drones.

You've served your role. Well done.

(https://autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=1075328&forum_id=2#12637023)

I know you're trying to sound smart and mysterious, but this makes no sense. And hi Pensive, by the way.

(https://autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=1075328&forum_id=2#12637316)

(https://autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=1075328&forum_id=2#12637001)

Do you really listen to Le Tigre btw?

(https://autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=1075328&forum_id=2#12637537)

what's the source of yours? who are you?

(https://autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=1075328&forum_id=2#12637552)

Anyway my moniker has no meaning, and I'm not anyone else's alternative moniker or anything like that. Just a dood on XO.

(https://autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=1075328&forum_id=2#12637562)

(https://autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=1075328&forum_id=2#12636987)

for instance some guy who lets his girlfriend hang out with male friends is a beta because she is totally fucking around on him - as opposed to jealous and insecure alphas who like to be paranoid and controlling of everything.

(https://autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=1075328&forum_id=2#12637007)

Author: bothered ("College is for *PUSSIES*@!" - Rory)

The lawboards preoccupation with memes and labeling is a waste.

(alpha/beta)

(https://autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=1075328&forum_id=2#12637076)

(https://autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=1075328&forum_id=2#12637548)

thanks much. great find.

(https://autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=1075328&forum_id=2#12637551)

Also, Subway is very helpful by stating that Subway is Where Winners Eat, so I know not to eat somewhere that is for losers.

(https://autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=1075328&forum_id=2#12637558)

Q.E.D.

(https://autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=1075328&forum_id=2#12637572)

summary: panties get wet at alpha display of violent power

(https://autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=1075328&forum_id=2#12637655)

but that doesn't mean much, because we live in a complex social environment completely removed from such a situation.

(https://autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=1075328&forum_id=2#19060253)