How in the world will the antichrist deceive so many people?

I've pondered this myself a bit. Not only Christians that are aware of the prophecies etc...but the idea that the world will be united under ONE tyrannical leader? The world cannot unite for anything and this seems way out there to me. I, personally think anti-christ is the worship of self. The man of sin who sets himself up as God? That's everyone who worships the creature rather han the creator. Like the new-age religion? I'm still studying it all but I definitely don't think it's all cut and dry.