All posts tagged: Incel

Support dynamics in incel forums reveal contrasts between problem-solving and empathy

Support dynamics in incel forums reveal contrasts between problem-solving and empathy

Published by José

A recent study published in The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality documented the exchange of social support within incel forums. Incel forums, online spaces for men experiencing involuntary celibacy, are often examined through the lens of misogyny and radicalization. However, these forums also function as sources of social support, where members seek advice, validation, and emotional reassurance. This study explores how support is exchanged within two distinct incel communities: r/IncelExit, where users aim to leave the incelosphere, and Incels.is, a forum for those who remain embedded in incel ideology. Researchers Sabrina Leite-Mendonca and Marie-Aude Boislard analyzed 37 discussion threads, 29 from r/IncelExit and 8 from Incels.is, collected over one month (August-September 2022). Threads were included if they contained requests or exchanges of social support. Using a mixed thematic analysis approach, they categorized the content based on five types of social support: informational, emotional, esteem, network, and tangible. The data were independently coded by two researchers, with discrepancies resolved through discussion. The analysis also considered the presence of antisocial support, defined as exchanges encouraging self-destructive behaviors. …

Incel forums reveal persistent, widespread misogyny regardless of user engagement

Incel forums reveal persistent, widespread misogyny regardless of user engagement

Published by José

According to a study published in New Media & Society, misogynistic language is pervasive within online communities of involuntarily celibate men (incels), with more than 80% of threads containing misogynistic terms. Michael Halpin and colleagues examined how members of the online incel community express misogyny. This community, composed mostly of men who identify as unable to find romantic partners, shares a belief that their romantic rejection stems from systemic discrimination based on physical appearance, or “lookism.” This perspective has fueled discourse that promotes hostility toward women and dismisses gender equality, often through “black pill” ideology, which argues that incels are condemned to remain alone due to their physical traits. This research builds on previous findings that incels participate in a hybrid form of masculinity by embracing both hegemonic and subordinate traits. Rather than simply adopting a victim identity, incels tend to position themselves as “failed men” who weaponize their perceived rejection to justify hostility against women. The researchers collected and analyzed data from one of the largest incel discussion boards, incels.is, covering posts between November …