The term “incel”, which is short for “involuntary celibate”, has become increasingly prevalent in discussions around misogyny, online radicalisation, and gender-based violence (all of which are safeguarding concerns). While it originally emerged in the 1990s as a term for individuals struggling with social and romantic difficulties, its modern usage is often associated with online communities that promote extreme and, at times, violent ideologies. As safeguarding professionals, it is our duty to understand this phenomenon, recognise its risks, and identify helpful strategies to mitigate harm.
The Evolution of the Incel Identity
The concept of “incel” was initially coined by a woman named Alana in the 1990s, as a way to describe people who, regardless of gender, struggled with forming romantic relationships due to social anxiety or other challenges . However, over time, the term has evolved and, in many cases, been used by online communities where extreme misogyny, victimhood, and resentment towards women are prominent themes.
Incels generally believe in a rigid social hierarchy where physical appearance dictates romantic success. Many hold the belief that women are hyper-selective in choosing partners, leading to their exclusion from relationships. This perceived injustice creates hostility, with some members advocating for coercion or even violence as a means to redress what they see as an imbalance in sexual and social power.
Links to Radicalisation and Violence
Research shows the overlap between incel ideology and broader extremist movements, including elements of the far-right . Tragically, several high-profile acts of violence have been linked to people who identified as incels. These include mass attacks in the United States, Canada, and the UK, where perpetrators explicitly cited their grievances against women as motivation for their crimes.
Incel forums often serve as echo chambers that reinforce dangerous narratives, glorify past attackers, and spread harmful rhetoric. The adoption of coded language, such as “red pill” and “black pill” terminology, creates insular communities that can be difficult for outsiders to penetrate or challenge.
Incel Language
Incel communities have developed their own unique slang, often derived from internet culture and pop media, to communicate their beliefs and reinforce group identity. One of the most well-known metaphors is the “red pill” and “blue pill,” inspired by The Matrix (1999). In this context, taking the “red pill” signifies an awakening to the belief that women control romantic and sexual dynamics, leaving men powerless. A more extreme concept, the “black pill,” embodies a fatalistic outlook, asserting that societal structures are immovable and that incels are doomed to perpetual rejection. Other commonly used terms include “Chads” and “Stacys,” representing highly attractive men and women perceived to dominate the dating hierarchy, while “looksmaxxing” refers to efforts to enhance one’s appearance through grooming, fitness, or even cosmetic procedures. This coded language creates insularity within incel communities, making it difficult for outsiders to challenge or intervene in harmful discussions.
The Psychological and Social Toll on Young Males
Beyond the broader societal risks, incel ideology can also have detrimental effects on the people who subscribe to it. Studies indicate that those who identify as incels often experience severe depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Many struggle with social interaction and have difficulty seeking professional mental health support. The rigid belief system within these communities discourages self-improvement and contribute to a sense of hopelessness, thus exacerbating their isolation and resentment.
Safeguarding Implications and Preventative Strategies
For safeguarding professionals, it is important to understand incel ideology to be able to identify people at risk of radicalisation, self-harm, or harm to others. To this end, these are a few strategies to fight incel culture.
- Equip schools with Prevent Training. Incel ideology falls within the Prevent strategy’s remit, which addresses various forms of extremism, including Islamist, far-right, and other radical movements. The Prevent training should equip staff to recognise early warning signs and intervene effectively.
- Educate and spread awareness with schools, parents, youth workers etc, to ensure that they are equipped with knowledge about incel culture and the warning signs of radicalisation. Regular safeguarding updates should equip staff with knowledge about incel culture, its language, and warning signs. PSHE/RSHE educators should be well-informed to facilitate discussions appropriately.
- Address domestic abuse. Many incel beliefs align with attitudes that underpin domestic abuse, such as male entitlement and the objectification of women. Addressing these attitudes early can help prevent abusive behaviours in the future.
- Encourage positive discussions around “healthy masculinity”, relationships, consent, and emotional well-being to help counter harmful narratives.
- Include a Peer-on-Peer Abuse Policy – Both victims and perpetrators of peer-on-peer abuse may be vulnerable to incel ideology later in life. Victims may experience isolation, while perpetrators may already display misogynistic attitudes. Trainings and Policies on Peer on Peer abuse can help identify students vulnerable to this form of abuse and offer support. Early intervention is important.
- A consistent and firm response to such sexual violence and harassment behaviour is necessary. Incel ideology promotes harmful views about women, which can manifest in inappropriate sexual behaviour.
- Instead of isolating incel ideology as a standalone issue, it should be integrated into wider safeguarding discussions and processes to prevent stigmatisation.
- Make mental health resources and support accessible for people, especially boys and young men struggling with loneliness, depression, or social difficulties.
- Monitoring Online Activity: Teaching young people how to critically engage with online content and recognise the dangers of extremist echo chambers can reduce susceptibility to harmful ideologies. While full supervision of online behaviour is impossible, promoting digital safety and encouraging open conversations about internet use can provide valuable insight into what young people are accessing.
The incel phenomenon presents a serious safeguarding concern, particularly in the digital age where extremist ideologies can spread rapidly. The world is constantly changing, and as such, various safeguarding issues evolve. We must be aware of potential risks like the incel culture, as this will help us fulfil our safeguarding responsibilities.
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