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