If you thought the era of running like Naruto or acting cold and distant at school was in the past, the internet has a surprise for you. A massive viral trend is dominating social media: thousands of users and content creators are accumulating millions of views with videos dedicated to emulating the personality of Kiyotaka Ayanokoji, the brilliant and apathetic protagonist of the anime Classroom of the Elite (Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e).

Personal Development or Just “Edgy”?

Videos flooding platforms like TikTok and YouTube break down Ayanokoji’s mind as if it were a definitive self-help manual. Content creators present his extreme emotional control, ability to remain stoic under pressure, and highly strategic thinking as practical tools for personal growth. There are step-by-step tutorials teaching the audience how to study with his same hyper-focused discipline level to how to maintain a neutral expression in any situation, even mixing his philosophy with the 48 Laws of Power.

This trend has split the otaku community in two. On one hand, fans defend this content, seeing it as a modern, useful, and motivating way to adopt stoic philosophy principles through a pop culture character they admire and understand.

The Eternal Cycle of “Cringe” in the Anime Community

However, on the other side of the scale, the response has been mockery and absolute discomfort. Much of the audience strongly criticizes these videos, labeling them as cringe and attempting to be immaturely edgy. Detractors point out a crucial detail that escapes reality: trying to copy Ayanokoji completely ignores the fact that his personality is the product of upbringing in the fictional “White Room,” an environment of psychological torture and superhuman training that doesn’t exist in the real world.

Many internet users have compared this trend to the era when teenagers tried to imitate Sasuke Uchiha’s detached attitude, or the infamous “lone wolf” mentality videos based on Patrick Bateman from American Psycho. Interestingly, this type of character analysis isn’t new, as it has existed in the shadows since the first season of the anime aired in 2017, but its recent viral explosion has taken things to levels where they even teach you “how to breathe” like Ayanokoji.

Despite the criticism and those who consider adopting an emotionless attitude unhealthy behavior in real life, it’s undeniable that this trend is giving the franchise free and massive promotion. Whether seen as a genuine discipline guide or simply absurd entertainment, the interest in the mastermind behind Classroom of the Elite shows that the archetype of the calculating and cold genius remains one of the public’s undisputed favorites.