What is the "woke mind virus"?

The term "woke mind virus" has been discussed in various contexts on the Lex Fridman Podcast. It is generally used to describe a cultural and ideological movement characterized by progressive stances on issues such as social justice, diversity, and political correctness. The "woke mind virus" phrase is often used critically by some of Fridman's guests to suggest that this movement can act like a contagion, spreading quickly and sometimes suppressing free speech and open debate.

In one instance, Lex Fridman and his guest Tim Urban frame "wokism" as a virus against which a liberal society must defend itself. They suggest that liberal democracies, by their very nature, are both susceptible to and resistant against such cultural movements due to their inherent values of individual freedom and open discourse. This liberal "immune system" is seen as ultimately resilient against the total domination by wokist ideologies 1.

In another discussion with Elon Musk, the "woke mind virus" is portrayed as a significant threat that opposes meritocracy and stifles discussion, hinting that it carries hallmarks similar to communism but under a new guise. Musk’s view reflects a concern about ideological extremism that could undermine foundational societal principles like open dialogue and fairness 2.