Modern Wisdom #924 - William Costello - What Netflix’s “Adolescence” Got Wrong
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Apr 5, 2025 
William Costello, a psychology researcher focusing on evolutionary psychology, discusses the recent Netflix miniseries 'Adolescence' and its misrepresentation of youth and incel culture. He critiques the dangers of glorifying violence, examines the societal implications of media portrayals, and addresses the disconnect between adults and young people. Costello delves into the incel community's responses, the challenges surrounding masculinity today, and the mental health implications related to incel ideologies. The conversation encourages a nuanced dialogue on these pressing issues.
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Incel Story Appeal
- Incel stories captivate audiences, but misunderstanding their appeal is dangerous.
- Sensationalizing incel violence can backfire by inspiring copycats seeking notoriety.
Overlooked Incel Characteristics
- Incels are disproportionately ethnic minorities and have high rates of autism.
- Their mental health struggles, especially suicidality, are often overlooked.
Lack of Expert Consultation
- The UK government commissioned the largest incel study, but didn't consult researchers for "Adolescence".
- The show's creators reportedly consulted school and child psychologists, but not incel experts.