Incel: a scourge that became a global phenomenon

The word incel refers to involuntary celibacy, an online phenomenon that represents a serious risk for both women and men who identify with it, since some may go on to commit criminal acts. Incels are men who feel unable to establish a romantic relationship and tend to blame women for their lack of success in love. In the forums where they congregate, hate speech and resentment are disseminated, promoting a worldview characterized by rejection and misogyny.

The impact of the incel movement continues to be the subject of study and concern for the authorities, especially in an environment where the Internet facilitates the dissemination of radical ideologies.

The researchers of the topic warn that, in addition to the danger posed by certain hate speeches, this phenomenon should also be considered as a mental health problem. Some former members of these forums claim that it is possible to get out of such a mentality, but that this requires psychological support and a change in the perception of interpersonal relationships.

Beginnings

The term incel emerged in the late 90s in digital forums, initially as a place where individuals with problems in their love relationships could exchange experiences. However, with the growth of the movement, certain groups began to adopt more radical ideologies, cultivating unfavorable attitudes towards women and opposing established social norms. This transformation led to the term being linked, in some settings, with violent and extremist behaviors.

One of the most worrying causes that has led the term 'incel' to receive attention in the media is its link with acts of violence. In nations such as the United States and Canada, there have been several attacks and crimes committed by people calling themselves incels. Experts argue that hateful rhetoric and dehumanization towards women, which are found in some incel groups, can make it easier to justify such aggressions.

Disturbing perspective

The incel subculture is intrinsically part of digital culture. The memes and the particular language of this community are fundamental to the way the incels relate to each other. One of the most significant emblems of this group is the notion of the "red pill" versus the "blue pill". This analogy comes from the 1999 movie "The Matrix", where the protagonist, Neo, must decide between taking a blue pill that will keep him in a state of pleasurable ignorance or the red pill, which will confront him with a harsh but revealing reality.

For the incels, the truth that the red pill represents is that love and sexual satisfaction are privileges that women deny them, arguing that it is they, and not men, who dominate the sexual aspects of society. According to this perspective, men find themselves unable to build a healthy love life due to the influence of women.

Guidelines

In order to establish an international community with a strong sense of belonging, it is necessary to have guidelines that have the support of everyone. That is why, among other misogynistic theories, the 80/20 rule arises. This rule holds that 80% of women will only be attracted to 20% of men, who are successful, wealthy, healthy and athletic. Since there are few men who possess these qualities, most fail to arouse the interest of women, since they lack success, money, and usually have harmful habits such as smoking, in addition to not practicing sports or following any physical training.

This creates a competitive scenario in which 100% of men are forced to strive to integrate into that 20%. Other men are practically excluded from the possibility of establishing relationships with women, being almost rejected. Thus, with this type of rules and theories promoted by the incel group, women begin to be observed with disdain and animosity, encouraging methods that replace seduction with manipulation, which often borders on, and even crosses, the line of macho abuse.

Conclusion

This group of men face challenges related to their mental health. Before joining the movement, it is likely that the incels have experienced marginalization and perceive the community as a refuge, not realizing that they are plunging deeper and deeper into demotivation and hopelessness. Investing more in preventive mental health, offering advice, support and resources to those who are in vulnerable situations, is the most effective strategy to address this problem proactively.