‘Escaping Inceldom’ - a thematic analysis of Reddit users deradicalising from Incel ideologies
Year: 2024
Type: dissertation
Abstract: The online misogynist landscape commonly referred to as the ‘manosphere’ has been widely studied in recent years, with much of the research exploring ideologies, group dynamics, and self-perception of Incels. This study sought to fill a gap in that research, exploring how and why people end their participation in the Incel community. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to understand how Incels seek to disengage and deradicalise from Incel ideology, and the extent to which other Reddit users could support or hinder these efforts. Three key themes were produced through the inductive coding of 100 Reddit threads from two subreddits dedicated to those disengaging from Inceldom. The themes described the motivations driving disengagement from Incel ideologies and ecosystems, barriers to seeking support, and the supportiveness of respondents. The findings were discussed in relation to pertinent literature and produced valuable insights with significant implications for policymakers, mental health professionals, and social media companies. Actionable recommendations derived from the findings included the amplification of social media content featuring positive role models and success stories of individuals who successfully disengaged from Inceldom, tailored mental health interventions for Incels diagnosed with psychopathology, and proactive education initiatives targeting adolescents to foster critical thinking skills and digital literacy. The urgency of this topic is underscored by the increasing popularity of Incel content and the nexus between Inceldom and real-world violence.
Source: Figshare
Author: Roisin McKenna (17963888)
Language: English
Topic: Gender, Feminism, and Media
Subfield: Gender Studies
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W6981634279