Extremely hot take: it's toxic masculinity. Bitter alcoholic drinks are associated with masculinity and sweet ones with femininity, and femininity is denigrated.

There is certainly that with the mega high IBU IPAs. Bruh this has 94,000 IBU, it's so good! To those people, I like to stick it them by saying never send a beer to do a whisky's job

Like coffee, it is an acquired taste. Large brands aren't very good. They may have a good beer in their lineup, but it's rare.

I believe that basically anything that is alleged to be an acquired taste is only professed to be enjoyed due to a combination of social pressure, addiction, and cope.