This report is the fifth in a series of short reports that look at the user journeys of individuals in extremist communities. This report focuses on the Incel movement, an online subculture and identity underpinned by a condition of sexlessness. This subculture is also referred to as the “incelosphere”, given its online nature, which is mostly extremist in nature, upheld by an extremist mindset among adherents. It is mostly characterised by the belief in a social hierarchy governed by physical characteristics.
The rationale for focusing on the Incel subculture as an extremist community is its organised nature, which is reflected in its sizeable membership. Besides this, there has been general interest in the incel subculture, which has attracted more visits to incel spaces. There has also been an increase in the number of self‐identified incels in recent years, which calls for a deeper understanding of the subject.
The study involves focus groups, mostly comprising individuals who have accessed, observed, and occasionally participated in the private communication channels of incel spaces. The names of all communities mentioned in the focus groups, including those that participants accessed, have been removed. The report highlights platform use, violence, attacks, and gender dynamics.
Key findings on incel subculture are:
The incelosphere remains relatively accessible to members, potential adherents and external observers. Incel forums are often referenced and linked in other mainstream spaces such as YouTube, Reddit and 4chan.
An important feature of the incelosphere is its engagement in an interactive process of cementing its world view, and makes use of data and statistics to reinforce its belief system.
While not all participants condone violence or promote it, it is not unusual to find some members glorifying acts of violence and expressing hatred towards various out‐groups through violent fantasies.
Gender remains central to the incel worldview. Inceldom is therefore mostly marked by a perceived battle between men and women, making it extremist in nature.