The Netflix Series Adolescence: The Dark Impact of Incel Ideology
Casal dels Infants – The Netflix series Adolescence presents a chilling story of a teenage boy named Jamie who murders his schoolmate, Katie. His actions are driven by exposure to radical gender ideology on social media. One of the extreme ideologies highlighted in the series is incel (involuntary celibate), a belief system rooted in misogyny that has grown within online communities.
Gender radicalism refers to extreme beliefs about gender roles and relationships, including toxic masculinity and misogyny. Within the incel ideology, followers believe they are entitled to romantic and sexual relationships. When these desires go unfulfilled, they often blame women and society. According to a study published in Current Psychiatry Reports, incel ideology is frequently associated with feelings of isolation, rejection, and a crisis of masculinity.
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Beyond spreading hatred toward women, incel ideology also promotes a damaging view of masculinity, where anger and violence become the outlet for personal dissatisfaction.
Child and adolescent clinical psychologist Lydia Agnes Gultom, M.Psi., explains that teenage boys are particularly vulnerable because they are in the process of forming their identities and trying to understand who they are. During this period, social media serves as a main platform for teens to explore their sense of self. It also becomes a space where they compare themselves to figures they see as popular or dominant.
“Since they’re in the middle of identity formation, asking questions like ‘Who am I?’ and ‘Where do I belong?’ they’re easily influenced,” Agnes explained. When incel content appears to align with a teen’s ideal self or seems aspirational, it can easily capture their attention. This influence can then dangerously shape their worldview.
Agnes highlights that boys aged 12 to 15 are especially at risk because their emotional regulation and brain function are still developing. This is particularly true for the prefrontal cortex, which plays a key role in decision-making and self-control. This area of the brain is responsible for decision-making, self-control, and evaluating consequences.
Repeated exposure to incel narratives can lead teens to view women as the source of their problems. Over time, they may also develop a belief in male superiority. Instead of fostering self-growth, this ideology promotes a destructive mindset fueled by blame and resentment.
Agnes emphasizes that parents play a critical role in protecting their children from harmful ideologies. Parents can become a safe space for their teens by being present, open, and non-judgmental. This helps teenagers feel comfortable asking questions and sharing their concerns. This support helps children navigate online content and build a healthy understanding of themselves, others, and relationships.
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