In(cel)doctrination: How technologically facilitated misogyny moves violence off screens and on to streets

Abstract

This qualitative study explores how technological affordances of the digital space, facilitate the anti-feminist discourses which characterise the digital community Incel (Involuntarily Celibates). The data in this article are drawn from a variety of sources, including video ethnography and an analysis of long-form interviews drawn from a year-long documentary project, to examine the experience of young men in Incel communities, and the process of indoctrination into misogynistic extremism. Results reveal that contrary to the ‘lone wolf’ narrative that surrounds Incels, there is a sophisticated community that contributes to a 5-step pattern of behaviour, converting the lonely, into the angry and potentially violent. A rich toxic cultural tapestry, the Internet echo-chamber and the celebration of Incel mass murderers (Incelebrities), create a continuous loop that transforms digital hate speech into physical violence. These patterns of indoctrination can, and should, be monitored, and intercepted for the purposes of personal and public safety.

Incels, violence and mental disorder: a narrative review with recommendations for best practice in risk assessment and clinical intervention

“…This was followed by Alek Minassian's van attack in Toronto in 2018, resulting in the deaths of 10 female victims and injury to another 16 (Williams 2021). It was later revealed that Minassian had hailed Elliot Rodger as his hero (Speckhard 2021) and explained that following Rodger's attack he felt proud and radicalised, stating that it was 'time to take action rather than fester in his own sadness' (Regehr 2022). Before the most recent incel-inspired mass shooting in Plymouth, Jake Davison blamed the blackpill philosophy for his increasing hopelessness that ultimately led to his killing spree (Townsend 2021).…”

Swallowing the Black Pill: Involuntary Celibates’ (Incels) Anti Feminism within Digital Society

“…From the early 2000s, the internet expanded MRAs' capabilities to disseminate anti-feminist discourse publicly. During this time, groups continued to petition to recognise men as an oppressed classoppressed chiefly by feminists/ism-but also mirrored the grassroots activism of third-wave feminism (Dragiewicz 2011;Regehr 2020). MRA groups focused on shifting cultural attitudes through cyberactivism rather than attempting to influence law and policy decisions (Gotell and Dutton 2016).…”

Psychosocial Characteristics of Involuntary Celibates (Incels): A Review of Empirical Research and Assessment of the Potential Implications of Research on Adult Virginity and Late Sexual Onset

“…In line with the results from the 2019 survey (SergeantIncel, 2019) which highlighted negative mental health among Incels.co users, several studies have reported on psychological and social issues prevalent among Incels. Expressions of loneliness, hopelessness and depression were observed in Incel forums (Chopite, 2022;Høiland, 2019;Jaki et al, 2019;Jones, 2020;Maxwell et al, 2020;Regehr, 2020;Rubertsson, 2019;Williams, 2020). A quarter (25%) of threads analyzed in one study contained ''it's over,'' reflecting users' lack of hope of escaping their predicament, a view also expressed by discussion of the blackpill (Jaki et al, 2019).…”