The Rise of Incels: Understanding Challenges in Romantic Relationships
In recent years, an increasing number of young adults, particularly men, have reported difficulty in forming romantic partnerships. This phenomenon has led to the emergence of the term “incel,” short for “involuntary celibate,” to describe individuals who desire a romantic relationship but struggle to find a partner. This article explores the underlying factors contributing to the rise of incels and the associated personality traits linked to their status.
Key Factors Related to Incel Status
A study by Apostolou and Michaelidou (2024) investigated 17 personality traits that may influence incel status, including:
- Mating effort
- Sexual functioning
- Self-perceived mate value
- Self-esteem
- Flirting skills
- Ability to notice romantic interest
- Shyness
- Choosiness
- Body mass index
- Self-perception of attractiveness
- Broad personality traits (e.g., extraversion, neuroticism, agreeableness, conscientiousness, openness to experience)
- Sexual orientation
- Having children from a previous relationship
Among the findings, poor flirting ability emerged as a significant predictor of incel status for both genders. Women with higher choosiness were found to remain single longer. Furthermore, agreeable and conscientious women are more likely to be in a committed relationship compared to those who are less so.
The Role of Mating Effort in Male Incels
Regarding men, mating effort stands out as a crucial predictor of incel status. Men generally face higher expectations to demonstrate their value as potential partners, particularly due to the prevailing societal norm that suggests men should initiate romantic interactions. Those who actively pursue relationships are often more successful. Additionally, the study noted that incel men tend to experience elevated levels of neuroticism and diminished self-esteem—traits that may communicate low mate value to potential partners. High levels of neuroticism can also signal anxiety and lack of confidence, further complicating the dating landscape.
Cultural Shifts Contributing to the Incel Phenomenon
The increasing prevalence of incels raises questions about the broader cultural and psychological shifts affecting today’s youth. Research indicates that young adults have shown declines in conscientiousness and agreeableness along with an increase in neuroticism, especially in the post-pandemic context (Sutin et al., 2022). These trends could lead to:
- Increased relational difficulties due to low agreeableness and high neuroticism, potentially resulting in higher breakup rates.
- Reduced mate value perception for males experiencing high levels of neuroticism, as the associated anxiety can discourage them from pursuing relationships.
- For females, heightened neuroticism may contribute to increased choosiness, as it can foster a negative and critical perspective towards potential mates.
- Lower conscientiousness may lead to less effort in personal grooming and social skill development, affecting individuals’ attractiveness and relationship prospects.
Conclusions
The rise of incels reflects a complex interplay of personality traits and cultural dynamics affecting young adults today. While there are various contributing factors, the insights gained from recent research emphasize the significant impact of personality on relationship formation. Understanding these dynamics can help address the challenges faced by many young individuals in their search for romantic connections.