The Dark and Lonely World of Incels

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This podcast looks at the complex world of incels (involuntary celibates), exploring their psychology through the Five Factor Model of Personality (Big Five). Outlining how traits like neuroticism, extraversion, and agreeableness shape their worldview, alongside the role of covert narcissism and chronic loneliness in their identity.

Drawing from psychological research and philosophical insights, this video examines the emotional and social struggles behind the incel phenomenon, offering a thought-provoking look at personality dynamics, self-perception, and the human need for connection.

References:

Cacioppo, J. T., & Patrick, W. (2008). Loneliness: Human nature and the need for social connection. W. W. Norton & Company.

Donnelly, D., Burgess, E., Anderson, S., Davis, R., & Dillard, J. (2019). Involuntary celibacy: A life course analysis. Aggressive Behavior  https://doi.org/10.1002/ab.21823

Hawkley, L. C., & Cacioppo, J. T. (2021). Loneliness matters: A theoretical and empirical review of consequences and mechanisms. The Lancet Psychiatry https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(20)30397-8

Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., Baker, M., Harris, T., & Stephenson, D. (2019). Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for mortality: A meta-analytic review. Health Psychology  https://doi.org/10.1037/hea0000759

Joiner, T. E., & Van Orden, K. A. (2022). Loneliness and mental health: A meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2021.12.045

Pfattheicher, S., Geiger, M., Hartung, J., Weiss, S., & Schindler, S. (2020). Vulnerable narcissism and the dark side of rejection: Evidence from interpersonal interactions. Social Psychological and Personality Science https://doi.org/10.1177/1948550619878765

Primack, B. A., Shensa, A., Sidani, J. E., Whaite, E. O., Lin, L. Y., Rosen, D., Colditz, J. B., Radovic, A., & Miller, E. (2021). Social media use and perceived social isolation among young adults in the U.S. Nature Human Behaviour  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-021-01096-4

Twenge, J. M. (2022, May). The sad state of young men: Loneliness, disconnection, and the rise of isolation. The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com

Wilson, R. E., Harris, K., & Vazire, S. (2023). Loneliness and cognitive rigidity: An experimental investigation. Psychological Science https://doi.org/10.1177/09567976221124689

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