Understanding and Identifying Incel-Related Behaviours

In light of the newly released Netflix series Adolescence, which shines a spotlight on the growing issue of 'Incel' culture among young people, we wanted to take a moment to raise awareness around this topic. It’s important that we stay informed about emerging online behaviours so we can spot the signs early and support those who may be vulnerable.

'Incel' stands for 'involuntary celibate' and refers to an online subculture of individuals, predominantly male, who believe they are unable to form romantic or sexual relationships. This community often harbours resentment towards those who are sexually active, particularly women, and can exhibit extreme misogynistic views. While not all individuals identifying as incels engage in harmful behaviours, there have been instances where such ideologies have led to real-world violence.

Recognising the signs that someone may be engaging with incel ideology is crucial. Indicators include:

• Isolation: Withdrawal from friends, family, and social activities
• Drastic behavioural changes: Sudden shifts in mood, increased frustration, or expressions of hopelessness
• Use of specific terminology: Frequent use of terms associated with incel culture, such as 'red pill,' 'black pill,' 'Chad,' or 'Stacy'
• Engagement with online communities: Spending excessive time on forums or websites known for incel activity
• Expressions of misogyny: Negative or demeaning comments about women, or beliefs that women are to blame for their personal grievances
• Fixation on rejection: Obsessive focus on past romantic rejections or perceived slights

It's essential to approach these signs with sensitivity, understanding that they may also indicate other underlying issues.

Certain emojis have been adopted by Incel communities as symbols to communicate specific ideologies. Awareness of these can aid in identifying potential concerns:

	Red Pill: Represents 'seeing the truth' about societal structures, often linked to anti-feminist beliefs
	Blue Pill: Represents those who are ‘blind to the truth’ or still believe in mainstream views about relationships and gender dynamics
	Dynamite: An ‘exploding red pill’, meaning someone is a radicalised incel
	Kidney Bean: Used as a community identity marker among incels
	100 Points: Denotes agreement with the '80/20 rule,' a belief that 80% of women are only interested in the top 20% of men
	Black Hole: Used to express depression, hopelessness, or being sucked into negative online spaces
	Clown Face: Employed to mock individuals perceived as unaware or dismissive of incel beliefs
	Knife: May indicate discussions or fantasies about violence
	Military Helmet: Symbolises preparation for a perceived 'gender war’
	Tornado: Represents chaos or feeling overwhelmed, sometimes used to indicate mental distress
	Frog: Associated with alt-right and extremist meme culture, often linked to Pepe the Frog, which has been co-opted by some toxic online groups
	Eagle: A symbol of extreme nationalism, sometimes used in far-right online spaces
	Skull: While often just slang for 'that's funny' or 'I'm dead (from laughing)', in certain groups, it can signal darker themes like nihilism or self-harm

It's important to remember that context matters - just seeing these emojis doesn't necessarily mean someone is engaging with Incel culture, but it might be a good reason to take a closer look or start a conversation.

If you'd like to understand more about how incel culture can affect young people, Adolescence is now available to watch on Netflix. It offers a powerful and thought-provoking look at the challenges faced by individuals growing up in today's online world.

By recognising the signs and understanding the language associated with incel ideology, we can intervene appropriately and provide the necessary support to those who may be vulnerable.

If you identify any concerns or require further guidance on this matter, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Safeguarding Team.