"Incels" are a group that has gained notoriety in recent years for their extreme thoughts and behaviors in relation to social interaction, particularly with regard to romantic relationships and sexual frustration. The word "Incels" is an abbreviation of "involuntarily celibate", reflecting the perception that their loneliness and lack of intimate relationships are not their own choice, but rather imposed by external circumstances or factors beyond their control. control.
Origin and Characteristics of Incels
The concept of Incels emerged in online communities in the early 1990s, where individuals who identified themselves as Incels shared their experiences and feelings of exclusion in terms of romantic and sexual relationships. Over time, this identity has evolved and has branched into different subgroups with varied beliefs and practices.
Common Characteristics of Incels
The members of this group usually present some common characteristics that influence their way of thinking and their vision of the world. Some of these characteristics include:
- Sexual Frustration: Incels express deep frustration over their lack of success in the sexual and romantic sphere, which often leads to feelings of of anger, envy and resentment towards those who do have partners or achieve sexual encounters.
- Low self-esteem: Many Incels experience low self-esteem and a negative perception of themselves, which can influence their inability to establish healthy relationships with others.
- Distorted view of reality: Incels tend to interpret social interactions and gender dynamics in a biased way, which can lead them to adopt extreme and harmful attitudes towards both themselves and others.
How Incels Think
The way of thinking of Incels is strongly influenced by their individual experiences and the culture in which they are immersed. Although it is impossible to generalize about all the members of this group, there are certain patterns of thinking that often manifest themselves in their speeches and actions.
Belief in the "red pill" theory
One of the most common beliefs among Incels is adherence to the "red pill" theory, a metaphor that comes from the movie "The Matrix" and symbolizes the revelation of a truth uncomfortable but fundamental about society and gender relations. According to this theory, men are victims of a social and cultural system that deprives them of access to sex and love, and that benefits a small group of "alpha" men at the expense of the rest of the male population.
Incels who follow this line of thinking believe that women have the power to selectively choose their sexual and romantic partners, favoring men who are physically attractive, self-confident, and financially well-off, while marginalizing to those who do not meet these standards. This perception of inequality and injustice is often the driving force behind the mentality of victimization and resentment among Incels.
Hostility towards women and society
Hostility towards women and towards society in general is another distinctive characteristic of Incels thinking. Many members of this group blame women for their own emotional and sexual dissatisfaction, considering that women are to blame for not corresponding to their expectations or for rejecting them for superficial reasons. This misogynistic view is fueled by the sense of injustice and inequality that Incels perceive in their interactions with the opposite sex.
In addition, Incels often express a deep contempt for those they consider "successful" in terms of intimate relationships, describing them as superficial, manipulative or dishonest people. This hostility often translates into aggressive or violent attitudes, especially in online environments where Incels can find an echo for their complaints and extreme thoughts.
Psychological Impact of Belonging to the Incel Collective
Belonging to the Incel group can have significant consequences on the mental and emotional health of its members. The combination of sexual frustration, low self-esteem and hostility towards others can generate a vicious cycle of negative thoughts and emotions that affect the perception of the world and oneself.
Depression and Anxiety
The lack of emotional and romantic connection, added to the feeling of rejection and exclusion, can trigger depression and anxiety in Incels. The constant perception of not being valued or desired by others can undermine self-esteem and self-confidence, contributing to a state of hopelessness and emotional isolation.
Radicalization and Violence
In In more extreme cases, the radicalization of Incel thoughts can lead to acts of violence against themselves or against others. Fueled by narratives of hate and resentment, some members of this group may feel justified in resorting to violence as a form of revenge or punishment towards those they hold responsible for their suffering.
It is important to note that they do not All Incels adopt violent or extreme positions, and most of them experience their feelings of loneliness and frustration privately and without resorting to violence. However, the existence of cases of radicalization and aggression among Incels highlights the seriousness of the psychological impact that belonging to this group can have on emotionally vulnerable individuals.
Psychological Approach to Incels
The psychological approach to Incels is a complex challenge that requires a deep understanding of the individual and group dynamics that underlie their identity. Given that Incels usually present a combination of emotional problems, dysfunctional beliefs and hostile attitudes, it is essential to address each of these aspects in an integrated and holistic way.
Individual and Group Therapy
Individual and group therapy can be effective tools to address the negative thoughts and emotions that characterize Incels. Through therapy, individuals can explore the roots of their frustration and resentment, identify dysfunctional thinking patterns, and learn strategies to improve their self-esteem and their ability to form healthy relationships with others.
Psychosocial Intervention
In addition to therapy, psychosocial intervention can be key to helping Incels reintegrate into society and find healthier forms of connection and belonging. Emotional support programs, social integration activities and spaces for open dialogue can be useful to encourage the development of social skills and to promote a sense of community and empathy among the members of the group.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Incels constitute a group with particular characteristics and thoughts that reflect a deep emotional and sexual dissatisfaction, as well as a distorted vision of interpersonal relationships and society as a whole. Belonging to this group can have negative consequences on the mental and emotional health of its members, including depression, anxiety and radicalization.
Addressing the thoughts and emotions of Incels in a comprehensive and empathetic way is fundamental to prevent the appearance of violent or self-destructive behaviors, and to promote the emotional health and social integration of those who experience this form of exclusion.