Incel Culture: Mental Health, Masculinity and Toxic Ideologies

Netflix’s Adolescence has ignited intense discussions about incel culture, masculinity, and mental health. For many viewers, terms like ‘incel’ and ‘involuntary celibate’ might be unfamiliar, yet they represent a dangerous and growing online subculture. But what exactly does it mean to be an incel, and why does this ideology foster such deeply rooted misogyny, self-hatred, and sometimes even violence?

This blog explores the psychology behind incel culture, its links to toxic masculinity, its harmful perceptions of women, and the broader mental health crisis affecting young men today.

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What is an incel?

‘Incel’ is short for ‘involuntary celibate’ - a term used by individuals, primarily men, who believe they are doomed to romantic and sexual isolation through no fault of their own. The term was originally coined in the 1990s by a woman who sought to create a support group for lonely people seeking love and companionship, but it has since been hijacked by an angry online subculture that often breeds resentment, misogyny and radicalisation.

For many self-identified incels, the world is divided into ‘Chads’ (attractive, socially successful men) and ‘Stacys’ (desirable, confident women who only date Chads). They believe they are ‘betas’ or ‘omegas’—men genetically or socially inferior, doomed to perpetual rejection. This black-and-white worldview is central to their ideology and fuels their bitterness towards women and society.

How incels perceive women: deep-rooted misogyny

At its core, incel culture is deeply misogynistic. Incels do not merely feel lonely or frustrated - they often see women as the cause of their suffering. Many incels subscribe to the belief that women are hypergamous (only interested in high-status men) and that feminism has ‘ruined’ dating by giving women too much choice.

Their resentment manifests in harmful online rhetoric, where women are dehumanised, blamed for incels’ personal failures and even subjected to threats. In extreme cases, this ideology has translated into real-world violence, with high-profile attacks carried out by men who identified with incel culture. Adolescence explores this toxic mindset and how it festers in online echo chambers, reinforcing negative beliefs rather than encouraging self-improvement.

The rise of incel culture and online communities

While some incels begin as lonely and isolated individuals seeking connection, many are drawn into extremist online spaces where their beliefs are reinforced. Forums and subreddits, once dedicated to self-improvement and support, have morphed into breeding grounds for resentment, where members validate each other’s worst fears.

Social media algorithms often push users deeper into these radical spaces, exposing them to extreme content that encourages victimhood, self-loathing, and sometimes even violence. This is why many experts and researchers classify incel culture as not just a fringe movement, but an emerging form of extremism that requires intervention.

Netflix’s Adolescence highlights the role of digital communities in shaping these destructive worldviews and how young men, often struggling with mental health issues, become ensnared in them.

The role of toxic masculinity in incel ideology

At the heart of incel ideology lies a crisis of masculinity. Toxic masculinity - the belief that men must be dominant, emotionally repressed and aggressive - permeates these communities. Incels often believe they fail to meet traditional masculine ideals, leading to feelings of inadequacy and bitterness.

However, instead of challenging these harmful gender norms, many incels double down on them. They believe the only way to ‘win’ is to conform to outdated ideals of male dominance, heightening their frustration when they fail to achieve them.

Mental health and the incel phenomenon

Many incels experience profound mental health struggles, including depression, anxiety, and extreme social isolation. Instead of seeking professional help, they turn to incel forums, where their negative emotions are validated rather than challenged. This perpetuates a cycle of self-hatred and external blame, making it even harder for them to break free from their mindset.

Netflix’s Adolescence raises an important question: How can society better support these individuals before they fall into radicalisation? Experts suggest that rather than demonising incels outright, we need to address the root causes - poor mental health support, a lack of healthy male role models and limited emotional education for young men.

The path to positive masculinity

Not all men who struggle with dating or loneliness become incels. Many find healthy ways to cope, such as therapy, self-improvement, or building meaningful friendships. Challenging toxic masculinity and promoting emotional openness can help prevent young men from being drawn into incel ideology.

Encouraging positive masculinity - one that values vulnerability, self-worth and respect for others - can offer an alternative path. Schools, media, and society at large have a role to play in reshaping how masculinity is defined, creating a future where men don’t feel entitled to women’s bodies but instead strive for genuine connection and self-acceptance.

By understanding these issues and promoting healthier perspectives on relationships and masculinity, we can work towards a more compassionate and inclusive society.

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