Involuntary Celibacy: A Review of Incel Ideology and Experiences with Dating, Rejection, and Associated Mental Health and Emotional Sequelae

Abstract

Purpose of Review Incels (involuntary celibates) have recently garnered media attention for seemingly random attacks of violence. Much attention has centered around the misogynistic and violent discourse that has taken place in online incel forums as well as manifestos written by incels who have perpetrated deadly attacks. Such work overlooks the experiences and issues faced by incels themselves, the majority of which have not engaged in any violent behavior. Recent Findings A small number of studies have recruited incels. Results from these studies highlight the nuanced nature of the incel identity. It is also apparent that incels suffer from high levels of romantic rejection and a greater degree of depressive and anxious symptoms, insecure attachment, fear of being single, and loneliness. Summary Incels report significant issues pertaining to their mental, social, and relational well-being and may seek support from forums that often feature misogynistic and violent content.

From Reddit to manifestos: Forensic evaluation of incel online activity

“…Individuals who are depressed, socially awkward, shy, or anxious may find it difficult to connect to others in meaningful ways, and experience romantic rejection. In those that are prone to externalizing blame and are exposed to misogynistic beliefs about entitlement to female affection, this can result in a perceived injustice by their romantic interest and by society at large (O’Malley & Helm, 2022; Sparks et al., 2022). Rigid gendered norms for acceptable masculine behavior also may contribute to rigidity in individual gendered identity and expectations (Stahl et al., 2022), leading to cognitive distortions, especially in those vulnerable to rigid thinking ‐ such as those with Autism Spectrum Disorder.…”

“…The effect of participation in incel forums is inconsistently reported in the literature. One study found that forum participation decreased loneliness while increasing a felt sense of belonging and of being understood (Sparks et al., 2022). However, another found that participating in online forums was associated with increased anxiety, hatred against women, suicidal ideation, and hopelessness (Speckhard & Ellenberg, 2022).…”

“…However, another found that participating in online forums was associated with increased anxiety, hatred against women, suicidal ideation, and hopelessness (Speckhard & Ellenberg, 2022). It is extremely important to note any history of sexual and gender‐based violence when assessing incels alongside features associated with an increased risk of sexual violence and recidivism such as hostility toward women, loneliness, a propensity to internalize problems, intimacy deficits, and sexual preoccupations (Hanson & Morton‐Bourgon, 2005; Sparks et al., 2022).…”

Enough with the incels! A literary cry for help from female insings (involuntary single).

“…Box 1116 Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway. Email: madla@uio.no Russo-Batterham, et al, 2022;Costello et al, 2022Hoffman et al, 2020;Räsänen, 2023;Sparks et al, 2022Sparks et al, , 2024-for instance, through explaining why, when men's and women's evolved mate preferences play out in the modern West, the lowest-value men become excluded from mating. Incels have been common throughout most of human history (Larsen, 2023c(Larsen, , 2023d.…”

“…In the past decade, involuntary celibate (incels) men gained public notoriety after the terrorist attacks of a few extremists (Costello & Buss, 2023; Tietjen & Tirkkonen, 2023). Scholars are making sense of the incel phenomenon (e.g., Baselic, 2022; Blake & Brooks, 2023; Brooks, Russo-Batterham, et al, 2022; Costello et al, 2022, 2023; Hoffman et al, 2020; Räsänen, 2023; Sparks et al, 2022, 2024)—for instance, through explaining why, when men’s and women’s evolved mate preferences play out in the modern West, the lowest-value men become excluded from mating. Incels have been common throughout most of human history (Larsen, 2023c, 2023d).…”