The Rise of Incels: Understanding the Challenges Young Adults Face in Finding Romantic Partners

In recent years, a growing segment of the population—especially among young men—struggles to find romantic partners. This issue has led to the emergence of a term known as “incels,” short for “involuntary celibates.” A study by Apostolou & Michaelidou (2024) sheds light on this phenomenon by investigating the personality traits associated with incel status and the factors contributing to this social state.

Individual Traits and Relationship Status

The research highlights several personality characteristics that are prevalent among both men and women who identify as incels. Key findings include:

• Flirting Ability: A significant link was found between poor flirting abilities and incel status. Individuals who lack confidence in their flirting skills tend to remain single for longer periods.
• Personality Traits: For men, a strong predictor of incel identity is the effort put into seeking romantic partners, alongside levels of neuroticism and self-esteem. These traits can severely impact one’s perceived value as a partner.
• Gender Dynamics: Women exhibiting higher conscientiousness and agreeable behaviors are more likely to engage in relationships compared to those who are less aware of social dynamics.

Exploring the Increase in Incel Status

While these findings are illuminating, they also trigger important questions regarding the recent surge in incel status. Here are some factors that may be contributing:

• Cultural Shifts: The pandemic has reportedly led to declines in certain personality traits like conscientiousness and agreeableness, while levels of neuroticism have increased among younger adults (Sutin et al., 2022).
• Social Skill Development: A decrease in conscientiousness may correlate with reduced efforts in maintaining personal appearance and social skills, further complicating the dating landscape.
• Emotional Challenges: High levels of neuroticism can lead to negative perceptions of potential partners, causing individuals to be more selective, further contributing to relationship difficulties.

Conclusion: A Multifaceted Issue

The increase in individuals identifying as incels is a complex issue that encompasses a range of cultural and psychological factors. The interplay of personality traits like neuroticism and conscientiousness significantly impacts relationship dynamics. Addressing these challenges may require not only personal development but also an understanding of broader societal changes impacting young people’s ability to connect romantically.

As society continues to evolve, it will be crucial to consider how these dynamics shape the experiences of young adults seeking meaningful relationships.