It made me feel powerful in a way: the role of suicidality in incel communities.

Smith, David S.

Abstract

Incels (involuntary celibates) are young men who see themselves as naturally inferior to others ("the red pill") and believe this cannot be changed ("the black pill"). Research suggests they are very likely to experience suicidal ideation. This project explores the role it has in bonding members of online incel communities and if these groups exacerbate members' feelings. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with nine participants identifying as "former incels". Among other things, questions addressed why they came to be members of incel communities and the impact this had on their mental health. Interviews were subject to reflexive thematic analysis. Four themes related to how incel communities conceptualise, strengthen and even incentivise suicidal ideation: i) Anger feels better than sadness; ii) the downward spiral; iii) failing with women/failing at life; iv) a safe space. These speak to how forums initially offered an outlet where they could be emotionally vulnerable as well as providing a target against which to project their self-hatred. Over time exposure to incel discourses exacerbated participants' self-loafing. The perceived permanency of their position became overwhelming. uicidality is a factor that makes young men vulnerable to incel radicalisation and provides a social currency within these communities. These findings demonstrate how incel forums may be appealing to young men who worry that have fallen behind their peers, and how their discourses can exacerbate these feelings. They are discussed through the lens of a crisis in male mental health.

Citation

SMITH, D.S. 2024. It made me feel powerful in a way: the role of suicidality in incel communities. Presented at the 8th Suicide and self-harm early and mid-career researchers’ forum 2024, 17-18 June 2024, Glasgow, UK.

• Presentation Conference Type: Presentation / Talk
• Conference Name: 8th Suicide and self-harm early and mid-career researchers’ forum 2024
• Start Date: Jun 17, 2024
• End Date: Jun 18, 2024
• Deposit Date: Jun 17, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 25, 2024
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: Incels; Manosphere; Mental health; Suicide; Self-harm
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2377432