Incel communities, short for "involuntary celibate," have a complex and controversial history, often associated with online forums where individuals discuss their challenges in forming romantic and sexual relationships. The term gained public attention in the early 21st century. Here's a brief overview of the history of incel communities online:
1. Early Online Forums: Incel communities began forming in the early 1990s on platforms such as Usenet. These early discussions centered around individuals who were frustrated by their inability to find romantic partners despite their desires. Members sought solace in sharing their experiences and offering support to one another.
2. Alana's Involuntary Celibacy Project: In the late 1990s, a woman named Alana created the Involuntary Celibacy Project, an online platform for people facing difficulties in romantic relationships. This early initiative focused on providing support and understanding.
3. Shift in Tone: Over time, the tone of some incel communities shifted from supportive discussions to more negative and resentful sentiments. Some members expressed frustration, anger, and, in extreme cases, hostility towards those perceived as successful in romantic pursuits.
4. Growth of Online Forums: In the 2000s and 2010s, incel communities grew on various online platforms, including forums like PUAHate (Pick-Up Artist Hate) and Reddit's r/Incels. These spaces became known for hosting discussions that sometimes included misogynistic and hateful content. The toxic nature of these discussions raised concerns about the impact of such communities on individuals and society.
5. Notable Incidents: The term "incel" gained widespread attention after the 2014 Isla Vista killings in California, where the perpetrator, Elliot Rodger, identified as an incel and expressed misogynistic views in a manifesto. This tragic incident brought increased scrutiny to online incel communities.
6. Platform Bans: Due to the perceived promotion of violence and hate speech in some incel communities, major online platforms, including Reddit and various forums, began banning or restricting incel-related content. These actions aimed to address concerns about the potential real-world consequences of extreme ideologies propagated within these spaces.