BOMBSHELL: Patrick Bateman’s Unsettling Morning Routine From American Psycho Now Feels STRANGELY NORMAL—How His Obsessive Behaviors Are Resurfacing in Today’s Social Media Culture, Turning His Dark Character into an Unlikely Symbol for Hyper-Consumerism. What Does This Say About Our Society? Find Out Below! 👇👇

When American Psycho first hit theaters 25 years ago, audiences were left unsettled by the chilling morning routine of Patrick Bateman, a character portrayed by Christian Bale. Known for his manic obsession with appearance, Bateman’s ritualistic practices included a regimented skincare routine, a thousand crunches in his white briefs, and even using a cooling gel eye mask to reduce puffiness. At the time, these habits were viewed as extremes of vanity and consumerism. But in 2025, Bateman’s routines are beginning to feel strangely familiar—thanks to the rise of hyper-obsessive wellness and beauty trends that dominate social media.

The Modern-Day Reflection of Bateman’s Obsessive Morning Routine

In the opening sequence of American Psycho, Bateman’s daily ritual is a key part of his image-obsessed persona. His skincare routine, gym session, and constant need to appear flawless represent his complete immersion in a world of superficiality and status—something he equates with power and success. At the time, this obsessive behavior was a satirical commentary on the greed and consumerism of the 1980s, a sharp critique of the yuppie culture.

Today, however, those rituals no longer feel so foreign. In a society where influencers and celebrities flaunt their hour-long beauty regimens and elaborate morning routines, Bateman’s behavior now seems like a reflection of the modern obsession with self-image. Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have amplified the demand for flawless skin, toned bodies, and perfectly curated lives, making Bateman’s intense vanity feel eerily normal.

The Wellness Culture Shift: Bateman’s Routine Becomes Mainstream

In 2025, the concept of self-care has evolved into an industry-driven obsession. From wellness influencers on TikTok to self-care gurus on YouTube, the daily routines of many public figures are increasingly filled with products designed to enhance their appearance, much like Bateman’s skincare treatments. From jade rollers to multistep facial routines, these influencers boast elaborate rituals that mirror Bateman’s regimented morning preparations.

Even more striking is the rise of the “morning shed” phenomenon on social media, which echoes Bateman’s obsessive attention to detail. Wellness influencers are now documenting their over-the-top morning routines, which often include multiple face masks, hair treatments, and body wraps. The trend highlights just how far people are willing to go in pursuit of perfection, much like Bateman’s own constant pursuit of a flawless exterior to hide his increasingly disturbed inner world.

While Bateman’s actions in American Psycho were intended as a critique of materialism and consumerism, today, those very behaviors have become mainstream. What was once seen as the extreme, dark side of wealth and obsession is now part of everyday life for millions of people who devote hours each morning to self-improvement and self-image.

A Reflection of Modern Society’s Struggle with Identity

The resonance between Bateman’s behavior and modern culture goes deeper than just appearance. As Bateman himself states in American Psycho, “There is an idea of a Patrick Bateman, some kind of abstraction, but there is no real me, only an entity, something illusory.” In many ways, this sentiment mirrors how people today, especially on social media, craft and curate their online identities. Behind the filters, edited photos, and polished public personas lies a deep struggle for authenticity in a world obsessed with appearance and status.

As a society, we’ve become more attuned to presenting an idealized version of ourselves online, similar to Bateman’s obsession with crafting a perfect image of wealth and power. The societal pressure to maintain these personas has led many individuals to push themselves to extremes in an attempt to meet impossible beauty standards—leading to a rise in eating disorders, mental health issues, and the desire for perfection at any cost.

The Role of Social Media in Bateman’s Legacy

Bateman’s character wasn’t just a parody of the ‘80s; he was a cautionary tale about what happens when the pursuit of image and consumer goods takes over one’s identity. Now, 25 years later, American Psycho seems less like satire and more like a chilling prophecy. Bateman’s obsession with materialism and status mirrors the mindset of today’s influencers who have transformed vanity into a career, profiting off their followers’ desire to emulate their flawless lives.

In fact, Bateman’s fixation on brands and appearances has been adopted by influencers, many of whom tout their own brand collaborations and expensive fashion choices. In this sense, Bateman’s persona has evolved from a commentary on the dangers of consumerism to a blueprint for navigating social media fame.

A Modern Dystopia?

As American Psycho depicted, Bateman’s obsession with wealth, status, and image ultimately led to his own unraveling. His cold, calculating persona cracked under the weight of his internal emptiness. Today, the characters who mirror his actions—obsessed with social media approval and external validation—are at risk of similar internal conflicts. As influencers craft lives built on curated perfection, the pressure to maintain these images only increases, leading to potential psychological and emotional tolls.

In this way, American Psycho serves as both a critique and a reflection of the modern age. The exaggerated rituals of Bateman—his meticulous care for his body and image—are no longer seen as bizarre or out of touch, but rather as part of a growing culture that values external appearances over internal substance. The film’s portrayal of a man who seeks validation through material goods and image is increasingly reflective of today’s hyper-consumerist society, where self-worth is often tied to social media likes, followers, and beauty standards.

Conclusion: Bateman’s Enduring Legacy

Patrick Bateman’s morning routine, which once seemed extreme and unsettling, is now a relatable and mainstream behavior in a society increasingly obsessed with self-image and consumerism. American Psycho remains a chilling warning about the dangers of unchecked vanity, but in today’s world, Bateman’s character seems more like a mirror to the modern obsession with social media, beauty, and wealth.

The truth is, Bateman’s ritualistic behaviors are no longer as shocking—they’ve become normal, even aspirational in some circles. The question remains: are we heading toward the same fate as Bateman, obsessed with external perfection while losing touch with who we really are? American Psycho may have predicted a future that has now arrived—and it’s more terrifyingly real than ever before.