Adolescence: What Does ‘Incel’ Mean and Who Are They?

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The series Adolescence has helped bring greater awareness to the term “incel.” Short for “involuntary celibate,” it refers to an online community made up mostly of men who feel frustrated by their lack of success in romantic and sexual relationships, according to the BBC. Originally, the term was used in self-help forums in a more neutral context. But over time, some corners of the internet have transformed it into a movement associated with misogyny, resentment, and digital radicalization.

The incel community first emerged in the 1990s through online forums where people who struggled to find a romantic partner could share their experiences and offer each other support. But with the growth of social media and anonymous platforms, some of these spaces took a darker turn. For a portion of the community, frustration turned into anger—blaming women and society for their personal difficulties in love and sex.

In the more extreme corners of the so-called “manspheres,” incels have created a belief system claiming that society favors conventionally attractive men (known as “Chads”) and shallow women, leaving less conventionally attractive men behind. Some of these groups have even promoted harmful or violent rhetoric, raising concerns among authorities in several countries.

The Real-World Impact of Incels

Over the past few years, there have been several cases of violence linked to the incel community, where individuals with these beliefs have taken their frustration to dangerous extremes. In countries like the United States and Canada, some attacks have been carried out by people who identified with this ideology, raising concerns among security experts and mental health professionals.

One of the most widely known cases was Elliot Rodger in 2014—a young man who released a detailed manifesto expressing hatred toward women before carrying out a mass shooting in California. Since then, authorities have started to view this kind of violence as a growing threat in the digital era.

How Social Media Fuels Radicalization

The spread of incel ideology has been fueled by platforms like Reddit, 4chan, and private online forums, where anonymity allows misogynistic content to circulate freely. While some of these communities have been shut down due to hate speech, new spaces continue to appear, keeping these ideas alive and spreading.

Another major factor is the way social media algorithms work. These systems often push users toward more extreme content over time, creating online echo chambers where harmful beliefs are not only reinforced but also normalized.

How Can We Address the Incel Issue?

The incel phenomenon can’t be tackled with digital censorship alone. Experts in psychology, sociology, and education agree that it’s important to look at the root causes that lead some young people to adopt these beliefs. Some possible solutions include:

• Providing emotional and gender education from an early age to encourage healthy, respectful relationships.
• Improving oversight and regulation of online forums that promote hate or violence.
• Expanding access to mental health and social support, especially for those experiencing isolation or low self-esteem.
• Promoting healthier models of masculinity that aren’t based on violence or control over women.

A Digital Problem with Real-Life Consequences

While the incel community started online, its impact is very real. That’s why it’s crucial for governments, tech platforms, and society as a whole to pay attention to this issue. Both to prevent further radicalization and to create safer spaces where young people can find support without falling into hateful or harmful narratives.

The real challenge is understanding how today’s youth interact with social media, and finding effective ways to teach about healthy, equal relationships in a world where technology keeps shaping how we feel, think, and connect with others.