What makes an incel? An interview study of current and former incels

Abstract

This study explores the way current and former incels discursively construct inceldom and negotiate their relationship to it. The data of six semi-structured, in-depth interviews show the difficulty self-identified former and current incels have in defining what inceldom means, who can be regarded as an incel, and what disengagement from incel communities means. Taking a discourse theoretical approach, this article analyses “incel” as a nodal point and an empty and floating signifier. It demonstrates the complex ways participants negotiate the differences between transnational online narratives and local offline experiences. The contradictory and vague nature of “incel” as a signifier shows the diversity of views and experiences present in incel communities. The findings underline the importance of acknowledging this heterogeneity when assessing the impact incel communities, and radical milieus in general, have on individuals.