Incel Culture: Should We Be Concerned About Its Growing Influence?

In the recent Sydney stabbing rampage on April 13, 40-year-old Joel Cauchi unleashed terror upon the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre, leaving six individuals dead and several others wounded. Among the victims were five women, including Ashlee Good, who valiantly saved her nine-month-old child before succumbing to her injuries, shedding the spotlight once again on the disturbing phenomenon known as the 'incel' movement. Defined by individuals who identify as 'involuntary celibates,' this online subculture has increasingly captured the attention of law enforcement and experts due to its propagation of deeply misogynistic ideologies and, in some cases, its connection to acts of violence.

The Incel Phenomenon

The term "incel," derived from involuntary celibates, denotes a subculture predominantly comprised of heterosexual, Caucasian men who perceive themselves as unable to garner female attraction. Rooted in misogyny and resentment, ideology festers within online forums, painting women as objects of disdain and society as their accomplices in romantic deprivation.

Incel doctrine perpetuates the notion of genetic inferiority among women, relegating them to mere vessels for reproduction with purportedly superior males. At its core, the incel ideology revolves around the notion that women are to blame for their perceived lack of intimacy, fostering resentment, entitlement, and misogyny within its ranks. These individuals often engage in vitriolic rhetoric, advocating for verbal harassment, sexual violence, and even acts of terrorism as retribution for their perceived injustices.

This toxic belief system, classified as an extremist ideology by The Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism (GIFCT), thrives on platforms like Reddit, where terms such as "Chads," "Stacys," and "Beckys" delineate hierarchies of attractiveness and desirability.

From Online Forums to Real-World Consequences

The roots of the incel subculture can be traced back to the early days of the internet, where individuals grappling with feelings of isolation and rejection found solace in online communities. One pivotal figure in the incel narrative is Alana, a woman from Toronto who coined the term "involuntary celibate" in 1993. Initially intended as a platform for mutual support and understanding, Alana's Involuntary Celibacy Project inadvertently became a breeding ground for misogynistic ideologies, attracting disillusioned men who harboured deep-seated resentments towards women.

The incel movement gained significant public attention following the 2014 rampage carried out by Elliot Rodger at the University of California. Rodger's manifesto and subsequent actions highlighted the dangerous implications of unchecked misogynistic beliefs within online communities.

As internet usage proliferated, incel communities found refuge in platforms like Reddit, 4chan, and private blogs, where they could freely espouse their beliefs and grievances. These digital enclaves served as echo chambers, amplifying extremist ideologies and fostering a sense of camaraderie among like-minded individuals. However, the unchecked proliferation of hateful rhetoric and violent fantasies soon drew scrutiny from both online moderators and law enforcement agencies, leading to the banning of prominent incel forums and the monitoring of related online activities.

The 'manosphere', often criticized for its promotion of toxic masculinity and misogyny, serves as a microcosm of broader societal tensions surrounding gender roles, power dynamics, and identity politics. While some see it as a refuge for disenfranchised men seeking camaraderie and empowerment, others view it as a breeding ground for resentment and extremism.

Within the "manosphere," toxic masculinity reigns supreme, fostering an environment where violence against marginalized groups is not only condoned but glorified. Such rhetoric perpetuates harmful stereotypes, objectifying women as mere commodities and fostering a culture of entitlement among male adherents.

Perhaps even more disconcerting is the observed convergence between incel adherents and the far-right spectrum of extremism. As online algorithms continue to wield significant influence, there has been a discernible trend of young individuals being drawn towards extreme right-wing ideologies through their exposure within the incel community. 

Central to the propagation of incel ideologies is the proliferation of dedicated online forums and platforms. YouTube, in particular, has come under scrutiny for its role in amplifying extremist content through its recommendation algorithms.

Andrew Tate, a former kickboxing world champion turned self-styled lifestyle guru who is currently under trial, is popularly known for offering a blend of self-improvement advice, controversial viewpoints, and a glimpse into his ostentatious lifestyle. Tate's ascent coincided with the rise of the manosphere, a virtual ecosystem encompassing various subcultures, including pick-up artists (PUAs), involuntary celibates (incels), and men going their way (MGTOW). Within this digital space, individuals like Tate have found a platform to disseminate their ideas, attract followers, and challenge societal norms.  His infamous remarks on rape, consent, and female autonomy have sparked outrage and led to his ostracism from mainstream social media platforms.

Emergence of Incel as an "Emerging Risk"

An analysis of UK official data in 2023 indicates a significant uptick in referrals related to incel ideology, with a senior counter-terrorism officer labelling it as an "emerging risk." Shockingly, in the year leading up to March 2022, there were 77 recorded cases of individuals being referred to Prevent due to their affiliation with incel beliefs. This marks a stark contrast to the absence of any recorded referrals two decades prior, with just three cases reported in the year preceding March 2021.

Counter-terrorism officials attribute the rise in reported cases to the proliferation of incel ideology, primarily facilitated through online platforms. The internet serves as a breeding ground for such extremist views, with young men particularly susceptible to its allure. Furthermore, heightened awareness among educators and other professionals, catalyzed by tragic events like the Plymouth shooting in August 2021, has led to increased vigilance and reporting of potential radicalization cases.

In Plymouth, a 22-year-old man named Jake Davidson went on a shooting spree, resulting in the deaths of five individuals, including a toddler. This has potential dangers associated with the incel movement. While Davidson himself did not explicitly label himself as an 'incel,' his online presence and digital footprint reveal a troubling alignment with the ideologies espoused by this subculture.

Before the devastating shooting, Davidson had posted videos on YouTube wherein he referenced the incel movement and articulated misogynistic views towards women and sexually active individuals. His involvement in online forums and subscriptions to channels associated with the incel community further solidify his connection to this online subculture.

The impact of incel ideology extends beyond national borders, with chilling incidents like the 2018 Toronto van attack serving as alarming reminders of its potential for mass violence. In this instance, a man affiliated with the Incel movement callously murdered 10 people, showcasing the deadly ramifications of radicalization fueled by misogynistic hatred.

Red Pill vs. Black Pill

Central to the incel movement are two distinct mentalities often referred to as the 'red pill' and the 'black pill.' These ideologies shape the worldview of individuals within the community and contribute to their perceptions of gender dynamics and societal norms.

The Black Pill: Fatalism and Misogyny

Davidson's references to consuming the 'black pill overdose' highlight an adherence to a fatalistic worldview propagated by the incel community. The 'black pill' ideology posits that an individual's fate, particularly concerning their sexual and social standing, is predetermined and unchangeable. This defeatist mindset not only dehumanizes women but also reinforces notions of male supremacy and entitlement.

The Red Pill: Anti-Feminism and Systemic Bias

Conversely, the 'red pill' ideology adopted by some incels perceives the world as inherently biased towards women. Viewing feminism as synonymous with female supremacy, adherents of the red pill mentality believe that systemic biases favour women at the expense of men. This worldview, akin to the concept depicted in the film 'The Matrix,' emphasizes the importance of rejecting societal norms and attaining a heightened sense of reality.

Understanding the Root Causes & Seeking Solutions 

To effectively combat incel violence, we must first understand its underlying causes. Feelings of loneliness, social exclusion, and a distorted sense of entitlement often fuel incel ideology. Additionally, elements of hyper-nationalism and alt-right extremism further exacerbate these beliefs, creating a toxic brew of resentment and hostility.

Combating incel violence is not a task that can be undertaken alone and requires a comprehensive strategy that encompasses both prevention and intervention. While mental health support plays a role, it's equally important to tackle the societal factors that contribute to incel ideology. From grassroots initiatives to policy advocacy, stakeholders at every level must mobilize to challenge entrenched beliefs and dismantle the infrastructure of hate towards any gender.