The Hook Up The Rise Of Femcels
Jun 24, 2025
Delve into the intriguing world of femcels, as the hosts explore how women's experiences of involuntary celibacy differ from their male counterparts. They discuss the origins and evolution of the term 'incel' and unpack the emotional struggles tied to dating. Hear firsthand accounts of loneliness and societal pressure on women to conform to beauty standards. The episode also highlights how mental health, body image, and geography impact relationships, inviting listeners to reflect on their own dating dilemmas in today's complex social landscape.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Origins Of The Incel Term
- The original 'incel' community began in 1997 as Alana's inclusive forum for lonely people of all genders.
- Its meaning shifted after founders left and violent acts by some members reframed the term as hostile male extremism.
Radicalization Changed The Movement
- Violent acts by radicalized men (e.g., Elliot Rodger) transformed online involuntary celibacy into a misogynistic, outward-blaming movement.
- That shift led platforms to ban visible incel communities and pushed others into darker corners of the web.
What Femcels Experience
- 'Femcel' describes women or femme-identifying people who want sex/partnership but can't get it.
- Femcels typically internalize blame and feel depression and self-doubt rather than externalizing anger.