Characteristics of Incel Forum Users: Social Network Analysis and Chronological Posting Patterns

Incels, Involuntary Celibates, are men who both struggle with lack of sexual and romantic relationships participate in online communities espousing a misogynistic ideology. This study characterizes users three popular Incel forums. Using network analysis community detection, we identify their main issues interests assess whether predated or followed initial participation an forum. Results indicate that commonly engage content concerning mental health relationships, but also other hateful Contributions to forums mostly earliest engagement Implications for prevention intervention discussed.