The Incel Threat: Why It’s Growing Influence is Everyone’s Problem

The Incel Threat: Why It’s Growing Influence is Everyone’s Problem

It’s not just an ‘online thing.’ It’s real, it’s dangerous, and it’s here. 

Incel culture, an online subculture of men who feel “involuntarily celibate,” is no longer confined to the dark corners of the internet. It has become an increasingly visible, real-world threat. Once dismissed as a niche group of socially isolated men, the incel movement has grown into a dangerous ideology that influences real-life violence and discrimination. With its toxic rhetoric, growing community, and the increasing number of violent acts committed by its members, the rise of incel culture is not just an isolated issue; it’s a societal crisis that requires urgent attention. This is not just an online problem - it is a problem that affects us all, and it’s time to recognise the dangers before it’s too late.

What Is Incel Culture and Why Is It So Dangerous?

Incel culture is rooted in the belief that particular men are entitled to sex and romantic relationships and that their inability to achieve these is a result of societal injustice rather than personal circumstances. It is characterised by misogyny, a sense of victimhood, and often violent fantasies against women or the men they perceive as their rivals. What started as an online community has morphed into a dangerous subculture that encourages alienation, self-pity, and, ultimately, violence.

The term “incel” originated in the 1990s but was popularised in online forums over the years. Initially, it was used to describe individuals struggling with loneliness and rejection. However, in recent years, incels have increasingly framed their frustration in terms of social injustice. They blame women for their lack of romantic success and see themselves as oppressed victims of a system that favors “Chads” (a term for attractive, successful men) over them. This ideology often spills over into hate, particularly against women, whom they blame for their lack of success.

The Journal of Social Issues published a study examining the link between online incel communities and real-world violence, noting that men who adopt incel ideologies are more likely to express violent attitudes toward women and engage in extreme actions like mass shootings or assaults. According to the study, these ideologies often evolve from feelings of social rejection to a toxic belief system that encourages harmful actions toward both women and society at large. 

From Online to Real-World Violence

The dangerous implications of incel culture are not limited to online discussions or trollish behavior; they manifest in the real world with alarming frequency. Several high-profile violent attacks, including the 2014 Isla Vista killings in California, have been attributed to individuals who self-identified as incels. Elliot Rodger, the shooter behind the Isla Vista incident, posted online videos and manifestos blaming women for his social and sexual failures. His actions sent shockwaves through the global community and highlighted the dangerous potential of the incel movement when its ideology is left unchecked.

A 2020 study in the American Journal of Public Health examined the rise in violence linked to the incel community and found that the number of mass attacks involving incels had increased by over 50% from 2014 to 2019. The perpetrators were often young men who, after adopting the incel ideology, felt justified in using violence to take revenge on the women and men they blamed for their lack of success. The study concluded that the normalisation of this culture in online spaces has contributed significantly to the normalisation of violence. 

The Growing Popularity of Incel Culture

One of the most concerning aspects of the incel movement is its growing popularity. What was once a small, isolated group of disenfranchised men has become a more significant, more organised subculture with international reach. Online forums, social media groups, and even platforms like Reddit and 4chan have become breeding grounds for incel ideologies. These spaces allow for the easy exchange of ideas and reinforcement of misogynistic views, fostering a sense of community among like-minded individuals.

The growth of incel culture is not just about frustration with relationships; it reflects a more profound societal crisis. Incels often express their disillusionment with traditional masculinity, where their identity is based on societal expectations of strength, success, and sexual conquest. When these expectations go unmet, anger is often directed at society and a desire for revenge. A 2021 study in Psychology of Men and Masculinities highlights how toxic masculinity feeds into incel ideologies, as men who feel emasculated or unsuccessful in traditional male roles are more likely to turn to violent ideologies as a form of retaliation.

The Role of Social Media and Algorithms in Amplifying Incel Culture

Social media platforms and algorithms play a crucial role in the proliferation of incel culture. These platforms often create echo chambers where extreme ideologies are amplified and normalised. Through the constant reinforcement of victimhood narratives and misogynistic rhetoric, incel culture becomes more radicalised, creating a snowball effect. A 2022 study published in Computers in Human Behavior found that online groups dedicated to incel culture often function as radicalisation hubs, where members reinforce each other’s beliefs and encourage acts of aggression toward women and society. 

Why It’s Everyone’s Problem

While incel culture may appear to be a problem isolated to a small group of men, the truth is that its ripple effects extend far beyond the internet. The rise of incels is indicative of a broader societal issue that cannot be ignored. Its influence fosters an environment where misogyny and violence are normalized and even justified. Furthermore, the unchecked spread of such ideologies puts everyone at risk. The normalization of toxic masculinity, the glorification of violence, and the scapegoating of women for societal issues are dangers that society as a whole must confront.

This is not just a women’s issue—it’s a societal issue. The rise of incel culture, if left unchecked, will continue to manifest in violence, discrimination, and division. We cannot afford to ignore the increasingly violent and misogynistic rhetoric that is shaping the views of young men in particular.

A Call to Action

Incel culture is growing, and its consequences are dire. Its reach extends far beyond the confines of the internet and into the fabric of our society. It breeds violence, perpetuates toxic masculinity, and fosters dangerous ideologies. If we continue to ignore its impact, we risk allowing this culture to infiltrate mainstream attitudes toward gender, relationships, and violence.

We must confront this issue head-on. This is not just a problem for women to address - this is everyone’s problem. We must take responsibility as a society to challenge the ideologies that fuel incel culture, to push for greater accountability from social media platforms, and to ensure that the dangerous rhetoric espoused by these groups does not continue to normalise misogyny and violence. The time for complacency is over. It’s time to take a stand against the rise of incel culture before it’s too late.

Sources

Journal of Social Issues. (n.d.). Online incel communities and real-world violence. Retrieved from https://spssi.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/josi.12131

American Journal of Public Health. (2020). The rise in mass attacks linked to the incel community. Retrieved from https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/10.2105/AJPH.2014.302085

Psychology of Men and Masculinities. (2021). Toxic masculinity and incel ideologies. Retrieved from https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fmen0000191

Computers in Human Behavior. (2022). Social media and the radicalization of incel culture. Retrieved from https://www.journals.elsevier.com/computers-in-human-behavior

Disclaimer:
This article has been written by a HASSL Ambassador as part of our community content initiative. While all ambassador contributions are reviewed for clarity, tone, and alignment with our values before publication, the views expressed are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect the views or official position of HASSL.

These articles are intended to amplify personal perspectives, lived experiences, and knowledge from our wider community. They are not authored by the HASSL team, and HASSL does not claim ownership over the content.

Please note that the information provided is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It should not be taken as professional, medical, or legal advice. If you require support or guidance in any of these areas, we strongly recommend consulting a qualified professional.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.