From Hero to Villain: Why Did the Internet Turn on Steven Bartlett?
Steven Bartlett's meteoric rise to fame and fortune has been nothing short of remarkable. The young entrepreneur went from university dropout to millionaire by age 23, building a social media empire valued at over £300 million. He became the youngest ever investor on BBC's Dragons' Den and hosts one of the UK's most popular business podcasts. On paper, Bartlett seems to have it all - success, wealth, and influence. Yet despite his achievements, Bartlett has become an increasingly polarizing figure. Many have come to view him as arrogant, disingenuous, and overly self-promotional. The once inspirational rags-to-riches story is now seen by some as carefully crafted marketing. So how did the man once hailed as a business wunderkind become someone many love to hate?
Part of the backlash stems from Bartlett's omnipresence in the media. His face and soundbites are everywhere - on TV, social media, bestselling books, and sold-out speaking tours. The constant self-promotion and recycling of his backstory has led to fatigue and skepticism. There's a sense that Bartlett is more focused on building his personal brand than running businesses. His rapid ascent has also bred resentment, especially among those who feel they've worked harder for less reward. Bartlett's claims of overcoming adversity ring hollow to some given his middle-class upbringing. His advice often comes across as simplistic platitudes rather than actionable insights.
Bartlett's persona as a wellness guru and life coach has further damaged his credibility in some circles. Despite no formal training, he dispenses advice on everything from relationships to mental health. This has led to accusations of being a "pseudo-intellectual" promoting pop psychology. The contrast between Bartlett's carefully curated public image and occasional missteps has also fueled criticism. His recent reprimand from the UK advertising watchdog for failing to disclose business interests highlighted the gap between his preaching of authenticity and his actions.
Bartlett's associations with controversial figures like Jordan Peterson have alienated some fans. His podcast has been criticized for giving platforms to divisive guests without sufficient pushback. This has led to perceptions of Bartlett as naive or opportunistic. There's also a generational aspect to the backlash. Bartlett embodies a certain type of millennial entrepreneur - one who prioritizes personal branding and social media metrics over traditional business acumen. This rubs some older, more conventional business leaders the wrong way.
The cult-like devotion of Bartlett's fans has paradoxically contributed to negative perceptions. The fervent defense of their idol against any criticism, no matter how valid, has painted Bartlett supporters as an echo chamber disconnected from reality. Bartlett's rapid pivot from social media marketer to self-help guru has raised eyebrows. Some see it as a cynical attempt to capitalize on the wellness industry boom rather than a genuine evolution. His lack of formal qualifications in psychology or counseling has been highlighted by critics.
The sheer scale and speed of Bartlett's success has inevitably led to tall poppy syndrome. In a culture that often revels in seeing the mighty fall, Bartlett's continued rise makes him a target. Any perceived misstep or flaw is magnified and used as evidence that he's a fraud. Bartlett's emphasis on mindset and personal responsibility as the key to success has rubbed some the wrong way. In an era of increasing awareness about systemic inequalities, his bootstrap mentality can come across as tone-deaf or even victim-blaming.
His transition from scrappy underdog to wealthy insider has altered how people perceive his message. The same advice that once seemed inspirational now feels like lecturing from someone out of touch with everyday struggles. Bartlett's attempts to maintain an everyman image despite his wealth have sometimes backfired. Anecdotes meant to be relatable often highlight the gulf between his lifestyle and that of his audience. This has led to accusations of being disingenuous or out of touch.
The polished, curated nature of Bartlett's content has bred skepticism about its authenticity. There's a growing sense that his entire persona is a carefully constructed brand rather than a genuine reflection of who he is. Bartlett's rapid success in multiple fields has led some to view him as a jack of all trades, master of none. His forays into areas like neuroscience and psychology, despite lacking formal training, have been particularly criticized.
His association with "hustle culture" and productivity obsession has fallen out of favor as more people prioritize work-life balance and mental health. Bartlett's emphasis on constant self-improvement and optimization can feel exhausting to many. The contrast between Bartlett's message of authenticity and vulnerability, and his highly curated public image, has not gone unnoticed. This perceived lack of genuine vulnerability has eroded trust among some followers.
Bartlett's attempts to position himself as an outsider fighting against the system ring increasingly hollow as his wealth and influence grow. His critiques of traditional education and career paths seem less credible coming from someone who has benefited enormously from the current system. His rapid rise has also led to accusations of having skipped important steps in building genuine expertise. Some view his success as more a product of savvy marketing than true business acumen or insight.
Bartlett's tendency to speak in absolutes and present complex issues in simplistic terms has drawn criticism. His confident proclamations on a wide range of topics can come across as arrogant or naive to subject matter experts. The parasocial relationships fostered by Bartlett's intimate style of communication have created unrealistic expectations. When he inevitably fails to live up to the idealized image his fans have created, it leads to heightened disappointment and backlash.
Ultimately, Bartlett's journey from admired wunderkind to polarizing figure reflects broader societal shifts. In an era of increasing skepticism towards self-made success stories and growing awareness of systemic inequalities, his narrative has lost some of its shine. The very qualities that once made him inspirational - confidence, ambition, and relentless self-promotion - are now viewed more critically.
Yet it's worth noting that Bartlett still maintains a large and devoted following. For many, especially young aspiring entrepreneurs, he remains a source of inspiration and practical advice. His story continues to resonate with those who see themselves in his journey from outsider to insider. The "downfall" of Steven Bartlett, such as it is, may be less about any specific actions on his part and more about changing perceptions. As society's views on success, wealth, and influence evolve, figures like Bartlett inevitably face reassessment. Whether he can adapt his message and methods to this new landscape remains to be seen.
What's clear is that Bartlett's story is far from over. At just 30 years old, he has already experienced the dizzying highs of adulation and the harsh sting of backlash. How he navigates this next chapter - whether by doubling down on his current path or pivoting to address his critics - will likely determine his long-term legacy. For now, he remains a lightning rod for discussions about success, authenticity, and the role of influencers in modern society.
