Deciphering the incels: A scoping review on empirical research

Abstract

The emergence and spread of the incel (involuntary celibate) subculture, a community characterized by narratives of exclusion and victimization, often underpinned by a violent and misogynistic ideology, has inspired hostile actions and attracted growing scholarly attention. This scoping review aims to synthesise the empirical evidence on incels and identify research gaps. We systematically searched peer-reviewed publications in English and Spanish (2017–September 2023) across three databases, following the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The search yielded 402 results; after applying exclusion criteria, 82 articles were included. Most were published in 2022, predominantly using qualitative designs. Main data sources included posts, threads and comments from social networks and forums, alongside open and primary sources. Key research areas focused on language, narratives, ideology, psychosocial aspects, violent behaviors, radicalization, exit processes, and instrument development. Findings highlight that incel communities foster an ecosystem in which misogyny and exclusion are amplified through digital platforms, often reinforcing group identities and, in some cases, justifying violence. Central themes include members' psychological vulnerabilities, the role of online echo chambers in radicalization, and the emergence of blackpill ideology as a framework for grievances. Notable research gaps concern limited comparison between violent and non-violent incels, underrepresentation of non-English contexts, and the lack of longitudinal studies. These findings underscore the importance of multidisciplinary strategies to address the social exclusion and radicalization dynamics associated with the incel phenomenon.