Lockdowns increased young teens' exposure to incel culture

Experts are warning that young teenagers, particularly 13-year-olds, are at risk of becoming a threat to society due to their exposure to incel culture during lockdowns. Incels, or "involuntary celibates," are individuals who often harbor extreme views against women. Many boys spent more time online during the pandemic, leading to an increased number of young users visiting incel forums. Research indicates that lockdowns created an environment where incel culture could thrive. A report showed a "rapid" rise in posts on incel forums during the early months of the pandemic. Experts believe that the isolation experienced during this time made young boys more vulnerable to harmful ideas and violent thoughts associated with incel communities. Dr. David Smith, a psychology lecturer, noted that younger boys lack the online skills to navigate these extreme websites safely. As a result, they may adopt negative beliefs about women and violence. A significant rise in discussions about violence was seen on incel forums, with some posts reflecting "murderous fantasies." The incel movement had previously been contained mostly to online discussions but escalated with real-world attacks after the lockdown. The infamous case of Jake Davison, who killed five people in 2021, raised concerns about potential future attacks inspired by incel beliefs. While no similar incidents have occurred in the UK since restrictions were lifted, there remains a fear that a new generation of boys, exposed to this content during their formative years, may continue to engage with these harmful ideas. Moreover, concerns over increasing knife crime among children have emerged, as several high-profile murder cases have involved young boys as perpetrators. Studies show a alarming number of young children report carrying knives for self-protection, adding to the urgency of addressing the issues surrounding incel culture and youth violence.