By Daniel Edu
Incels, or involuntary celibates, are predominantly male individuals who often hold misogynistic views and display extreme bitterness and resentment towards women. The term “incel” was initially coined in 1993 by Alana, a Canadian woman who created a website to help people struggling with loneliness and isolation. However, the term has since been adopted by a subgroup who consider themselves victims of women.
Over the years, the meaning of “incel” has evolved and taken on a darker connotation. Many incels harbor toxic ideologies, anger, and resentment, with some advocating for violence against women, raising concerns about their negative impact on society. While it’s important to note that not all incels are violent, some high-profile mass shootings have been carried out by individuals who identify as incels.
In Nigeria, there has been a growth of the incel movement on social media platforms, particularly on X (formerly known as Twitter). These individuals, often referred to as “kings” or “alpha males,” engage in shaming women and adhere to the teachings of a social media “life coach” who promotes misogynistic behavior and emotional and financial shaming of women. Sensible men opposing such behavior are labeled as “weak” and derogatorily referred to as “simps.”
Here are five common traits associated with incels:
1. Misogyny: Incels exhibit deep-seated hatred and resentment towards women, often objectifying them or viewing them as inferior to men.
2. Self-pity: Incels tend to adopt a victim mentality, believing that the world is against them. They frequently complain about rejection by women and attribute their lack of success to factors such as appearance, social status, and genetics.
3. Entitlement: Incels feel entitled to romantic or sexual relationships, even when they are unwilling to put in the effort to find a partner. They believe that women owe them respect simply because they are men and may become angry or violent when rejected.
4. Self-loathing: Incels often have low self-esteem and harbor self-hatred.
5. Isolation: Incels spend significant amounts of time in isolation and struggle with forming and maintaining relationships with others.
If you suspect that you are dealing with an individual displaying obsessive incel traits, it is advisable to protect yourself and your peace of mind by avoiding and blocking them online.
If you identify as an incel, seeking help and support is crucial for your well-being and mental health.
