William Costello

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.

William Costello is an evolutionary psychologist and Ph.D. student who dives into the complex world of incels. He shares eye-opening statistics about the future of single women and explores the psychological profiles of incels, revealing their struggle with social isolation. The discussion also touches on gender dynamics, including the challenges women face in the dating scene and the evolving standards in relationships. Costello emphasizes the need to understand the diverse backgrounds and mental health challenges within the incel community, urging for a deeper societal dialogue.

William Costello, a PhD student and behavioral patterns expert, takes us on a deep dive into the modern mating crisis. He discusses the rising recklessness and commitment-phobia among young men, with societal shifts like women outpacing men in education influencing relationship dynamics. The conversation explores how dating apps have reshaped romantic connections, alongside the emotional challenges faced by both genders in today's dating scene. Prepare to uncover the complexities of modern relationships and the implications of evolving gender roles!

William Costello, a behavioral expert and PhD student, explores the modern male dating landscape. He discusses the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on dating behaviors, contrasting men's newfound risk-taking with women's heightened caution. Delving into the incel community, he reveals their struggles and coping mechanisms while considering AI as a tool for healthily navigating dating. The conversation highlights the societal shifts reshaping relationships, alongside the potential of technology to improve social understanding and engagement.

In this episode, I spoke with William Costello. William recently wrote the first academic paper discussing the psychology of Incels. He is currently a PhD student at the University of Texas at Austin where he’s a member of Dr. David Buss's Evolutionary Psychology lab.   Together we discussed hypergamy, the characteristics of the average incel, the psychology of incels, causes for the increase in female infidelity, the black pill worldview, and much more. Thanks for tuning in.  If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

William Costello, a Ph.D. student at the University of Texas, uncovers the psychology behind incels and their diverse political beliefs. He sheds light on their struggles with relationships and mental health, challenging mainstream stereotypes. The discussion explores the impact of sex ratios on dating dynamics and societal perceptions of masculinity. Costello emphasizes the importance of self-improvement and community connections while critiquing idealized dating expectations and the effects of technology on young men's interactions.

Some people want to have sexual and romantic relationships but are unable to do so. They are involuntarily celibate. For some, this perceived inability to form and maintain sexual and romantic relationships becomes a defining feature of the self—a social identity known as “incel.” In the popular media, incels tend to be characterized as misogynists and male supremecists who are prone to violence. However, the truth about incels is more complex, and it turns out that the incels aren’t exactly who we think they are. So let’s take a look inside the minds of incels. I am joined by William Costello, a PhD student at the University of Texas at Austin, where he is a member of Dr. David Buss’s Evolutionary Psychology lab. He holds a Masters in Psychology, Culture, and Evolution from Brunel University London and his dissertation investigated the psychology of incels. Some of the topics we discuss include: Why incels have always been around, and how modern incels are different. Why changes in the mating market are creating more incels. What do people who identify as incel look like? Do they match up with the stereotypes (i.e., young, White, conservative)? Why popular dating advice given to incels isn’t helpful. What the mental health of incels looks like. Are incels inherently prone to violence? To learn more about William, follow him on Twitter @CostelloWilliam Thanks to the Modern Sex Therapy Institutes (modernsextherapyinstitutes.com) and the Kinsey Institute (kinseyinstitute.org) for sponsoring this episode! Visit modernsextherapyinstitutes.com to explore programs and certifications in sex therapy and education. The Kinsey Institute’s (kinseyinstitute.org) 75th anniversary is underway and you are invited to join in the celebration! Follow @kinseyinstitute on social media to learn more about upcoming events. Also, please consider a gift or donation to the Institute to support sex research and education. Click here to donate. *** Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook, Twitter, or Reddit to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube and Instagram. Listen and stream all episodes on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Amazon. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast! Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

Researcher William Costello joins Ash Sarkar to discuss misconceptions about incels, their impact on dating culture, and the psychology of incels. Topics include correlations between incels and autism, the evolution of attractiveness, societal shifts affecting preferences, and challenges in modern dating culture. The conversation delves into the emotional responses of sexlessness, evolving societal conditions, the desirability of sensitivity in men, and advocating for a healthier view of singlehood.

William Costello, a doctoral researcher in evolutionary psychology, delves into the complexities of adolescence and incel ideology. He critiques media portrayals of incels and youth violence, arguing for a deeper understanding of young men's societal pressures. Costello examines the limitations of consent education and challenges moral panic surrounding masculinity. He highlights the mental health struggles faced by incels, including their perceptions of attractiveness and community. The discussion emphasizes the need for nuanced conversations about youth and societal expectations.

Iona Italia chats with William Costello, a PhD student in Evolutionary Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, specializing in incels. They delve into the Netflix series 'Adolescence,' dissecting its portrayal of incels and the impact of societal narratives on young men. Costello critiques the misconceptions held by adults about incel culture and highlights how media representations can perpetuate misunderstanding. Their discussion emphasizes the need for accurate depictions to address issues of toxic masculinity and violence.