Abstract
Incels, or involuntary celibates, represent a sub-
section of the manosphere: an informal confederacy
of digital communities where men construct and
strengthen anti-feminist/male hegemonic narratives.
Inceldom represents a beta masculine identity, with
members placing themselves at the bottom of a
natural hierarchy. Bonded by a shared belief in their
genetic inferiority and ensuing sexual
marginalization, they are depressed and angered by
the perceived permanence of their circumstances. In
extreme cases, this outlook has been linked to acts
of mass murder.
The present study investigated
how these digital communities attract young men,
why they stay, and how they can be supported to
leave. Online interviews were conducted with ex-
incels to study why they joined incel communities,
stayed in them, and later left. Thematic analysis
identified six key themes, representing key stages
across their journey in and out of inceldom: i)
involuntary celibacy before inceldom; ii) "fucked by
the world"; iii) failing with women = failing at life; iv)
a safe space; vi) online de-radicalization; and vi)
residue. Combined, they demonstrate how insular
online spaces further isolate and radicalize socially
inhibited young men.
