Incel (“involuntary celibacy”) online communities are a collection of online spaces frequented by mostly heterosexual men who construct their identities over the perceived lack of romantic and sexual attention from women. In these communities, misogynist ideology and collective victimhood are central aspects of belonging. It is important to note that not all involuntarily without sex or relationships identify as incels. For most incels, appearance is the number one issue: they believe they are not attractive enough to interest women. For some, mental health issues and social and financial status also play an important role.
This personal feeling of being unfairly left behind then becomes political; incels’ loneliness is seen as the fault of women being shallow and cruel and rejecting them. Incel misogyny is often justified with pseudo-scientific arguments, naturalising gender inequality as stemming from biology and evolution. Weakening of patriarchal power structures and feminism gaining more rights for women are seen as a negative development, and men are presented as victims of women and feminism in the modern world. An overall idea of most men being left behind and women and the most attractive men gaining all the positive sides of modern society is widespread in incel discussions, and the past is often presented as more connected and humane than the present.
Author: Emilia Lounela
This paper was presented at the 5th conference of the European Counter Terrorism Centre (ECTC) Advisory Network on terrorism and propaganda, 26-27 March 2024, at Europol Headquarters, The Hague. The views expressed are the authors’ own and do not necessarily represent those of Europol.
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