‘Incels are shit-post kings’: incels’ perceptions of online forum content

ABSTRACT

Research about involuntary celibates, or incels, has often relied on indirect texts such as internet forums and discussions as a source of data for qualitative analysis. Using direct qualitative data from interviews with incels (N = 14), this paper examines their beliefs about negative online behaviors such as shit-posting. From the data, we identified various themes, and participants stated that they may view this behavior as: 1.) one that is not specifically isolated to incels (or only a small fraction of the incel population); 2.) for attention; or 3.) a reflection of some truth or deeper emotion. Other explanations, however, suggested that shit-posting is: 4.) just a joke or not serious; 5.) annoying or a negative representation of all incels; or 6.) false flags by others outside of the community. Researchers in online behavior—and incel researchers in particular – should give special attention to the reasons why users may engage in reprehensible or vile speech and the rewards that such behaviors offer. Attention to the nuance and purpose of online behaviors can provide additional context for the interpretation and application of existing and future incel research, and it can inform policies and practices to make internet spaces less harmful.

KEYWORDS:

• Incels
• content analysis
• methodology
• online behavior

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have influenced the work reported in this article.

Notes

1. Examples of such attacks and threats associated with incels include the 2014 Isla Vista shooting, the Toronto van attack and Tallahassee yoga shooting (both in 2018), knife and machete attacks in Canada in 2019 and 2020, respectively, the 2019 Joker movie concerns, and the foiled 2020 bomb attack in which a Virginia man planned to kill cheerleaders.

2. While there are a limited number of quantitative approaches (e.g., Morton et al. 2021; Scaptura & Boyle, 2019; Speckhard et al. 2021), they are not included in this literature review for purposes of space.

3. We specifically selected and applied this definition for two reasons; first, it highlights the idea of oppositional or contrary forms of engagement and rhetoric, which distinguished those who use it from those who expect civil or respectful behavior. Secondly, it speaks to the notion of the quality (simple or poor) of and anarchy created by these types of posts. Specifically, however, we wanted to use this idea of shit-posting rather than trolling (and its associated definitions), because, while the Golf-Papez and Veer (2017) definition of trolling is certainly accurate, we were unsure if this was, in fact, the true nature and purpose of online discourse in this context. Shit-posting, then, is the more specific tool or content (the internet interaction), while trolling speaks more broadly to the function of the behavior and the person (troll) who is doing or using shit-posting to achieve a goal. While we use discuss trolling and shit-posting in the subsequent literature review, we also solely use ‘shit-posting’ for the context of the study.

4. For a more detailed description of the research process, including the challenges and successes of interviewing incels, see <REDACTED FOR REVIEW>.

5. All qualitative research methodologies benefit from an examination of the researchers’ positionality and reflexive practices to understand how identities shape interpretation of the data (Barrett, Kajamaa, and Johnston 2020; McCorkel and Meyers 2003; Naples 2003). We recognize and value this, but in the interest of space, we decided to forego this discussion in this article. For a more thorough evaluation of the ways that identities both influence and are influenced by our personal characteristics, especially related to incel research, see <REDACTED FOR REVIEW>.

6. The blackpill is defined in a number of ways across research (see, for example, Ging 2019; Glace, Dover, and Zatkin 2021; Preston, Halpin, and Maguire 2021). While we value these contributions and interpretations, we use the Daly and Reed (2022) definition, as it was derived from and elucidated by incel participants, ultimately asserting the blackpill is ‘the acceptance of scientific evidence that looks are the most important factor in mating’ (p. 15).

7. In 2019, the release of Todd Phillips’ Batman villain movie created controversy, particularly in the context of the 2012 Aurora theater shooting as well as the nature of the film which arguably glorified violence as a result of marginalization (Bundel 2019). In addition, the United States Army reported on ‘credible threats’ of ‘crazed “incel” extremists’ planning shootings at screenings of the movie (Eustachewich 2019).

8. Chad is a term used to represent men who embody the most masculine characteristics, including physical attractiveness, strength, popularity, and promiscuity. It derives from an internet meme which portrays a cartoonish depiction of this ‘ideal’ man, commonly known as Chad Thundercock.

9. ‘Currycel’ is a term used to describe an incel of Indian or South Asian descent.

10. We elected to not use official names for popular forums (for incel and vigilante groups) to avoid promoting them or bringing further traffic to their sites.

11. Age at which the first interview took place.

12. Referred by K.

13. Referred by Frail.

14. Average of the 10 participants who provided their specific age.