Young Australian men are being drawn to misogynistic online communities when they are struggling with isolation, rejection or declining mental health, new research has found.
Despite the trend, with early intervention, the cycle can be broken, particularly when the men become disillusioned with the negativity of the groups, and form healthy relationships.
The Australian Institute of Criminology research, published today, set out to explore why men joined online misogynistic “incel” communities, and how this affected their attitudes towards gendered violence.
(An incel, short for involuntarily celibate, is a member of an online subculture that describe themselves as unable to form desired romantic or sexual relationships.)
AIC Deputy Director Rick Brown said the findings demonstrated the importance of early intervention and strong social support systems.
“This research shows how isolated young men can be drawn into online spaces that amplify misogyny and deepen loneliness,” Dr Brown said.
“Understanding these pathways can help inform strategies to support reengagement in the community and reduce the risk of gendered violence.
“Strengthening social connections, improving mental wellbeing and promoting media literacy are critical to preventing harm and offering alternatives to these toxic online environments.”
The study report said many respondents reported entering these online spaces as teenagers, often while struggling with isolation, rejection, or declining mental health.
Instead, these online forums, which presented themselves as sources of support, frequently deepened hopelessness and encouraged misogynistic attitudes.
“Some participants described exposure to extremist rhetoric, worsening depression and echo chamber environments that normalised anger towards women and, in some cases, condoned violence,” the report said.
“Men most commonly left after becoming disillusioned with the negativity and hostility within these communities, or after forming healthier social connections through friendships, partners, education, hobbies or work.”
The full report is available on the AIC website.
