Independent report

Predicting harm among incels (involuntary celibates)

This is the largest survey of incels to-date, taken across the UK and the US. It explores their demographics, beliefs, networks and propensity to violence.

Documents

Predicting harm among incels (involuntary celibates): the roles of mental health, ideological belief and social networking

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Press release: “Incels” need mental health support rather than a counter terrorism intervention, the world’s largest study of Incels finds

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Details

Predicting Harm Among Incels - Robin Simcox talks to Dr Joe Whittaker about the report’s findings

The Commission for Countering Extremism commissioned Swansea University Research on the Incel Community (SURIC) to produce this report. The report identifies a complex relationship between mental health, a shared worldview and the social networking of involuntary celibate communities.

This report highlights:

  • ‘incel’ networks generate a sense of community and belonging
  • they share a worldview connected by misogyny and victimhood
  • there is an important mental health dimension to ‘incel’ networks including depression and suicidal thoughts
Published 15 February 2024