‘Incel' accounts using self-improvement language to avoid TikTok bans
Advocates of 'incel' ideology are rebranding as 'Sub5s' and adopting the language of self-improvement to push their content on TikTok, according to a study.
Hateful material is banned from the social media site but accounts disseminating the beliefs are said to be hiding behind new terms and 'socially palatable' language.
One of the fundamental tenets of the involuntary celibate, or incel, ideology is the belief that society is organised based on a looks-based hierarchy.
Pseudo-scientific theories about self-improvement and attractiveness that are often misogynist in nature are now being promoted and 'normalised', it is claimed.
Anda Iulia Solea, a researcher at the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Portsmouth, said this included a theory referenced in the Netflix drama Adolescence that suggests that 80% of women were attracted to 20% of men.
Another concept pushed by accounts on TikTok is that of the PSL scale, under which it is claimed that men can be ranked from one to eight according to attractiveness.
The PSL acronym comes from the first letters of three incel sites: PUAhate, Sluthate and Lookism.net.
Men are rated from being 'PSL gods' (exceptionally attractive men) to 'Chads' (generally attractive men) and finally 'Sub5s' (unattractive men).
Men are encouraged to believe they can move up through the scale by a process called 'looksmaxxing', which can be as unproblematic as going to the gym or as damaging as changing the structure of the jaw using a hammer.
Such theories are said to be bound up with the belief that there is an ideal form of masculinity and that women are to blame.
When searching for the term 'incel' on TikTok, an error message appears alongside a content warning about the phrase being associated with hateful behaviour. However, should a user search for 'Sub5' content, they are offered a stream of material on the platform.
'We argue that facilitated by its rebranding through the frameworks of looksmaxxing and the PSL scale, misogynist incel ideology is being mainstreamed', write Solea and Dr Lisa Sugiura.
'These mechanisms reframe overtly toxic, misogynistic and extremist rhetoric into socially palatable discourses of self-improvement and biological and racial essentialism, enabling its diffusion into broader digital spaces.'
TikTok has more than 1.9 billion users worldwide. A third of users in the UK are said to fall between the ages of 13 and 17, with 40.32% in the 18 to 24 age group.
The conclusions of the new paper, submitted to peer review in the Crime, Media, Culture journal, followed analysis of videos on five accounts on TikTok identified as promoting incel theories.
Solea said: 'What they try to do is to attract wider audiences and also to be permitted on the platform and accepted by others through rebranding. So you'll see Sub5s, you'll see the PSL scale, and then also they are being less directly offensive and violent towards women.
'I'm just going to mention the Adolescence show because everybody's talking about that: the 80:20 rule, where 80% of women go for the 20% of men. There are lots of these theories. You're more likely to believe that women are bad when they show you that, rather than just saying: 'Oh, women are such sluts,' especially when those words and insults are not allowed on TikTok.'
A TikTok spokesperson said: 'Misogyny is strictly prohibited on TikTok and we take swift action to remove content that violates our policies.
'We continually refine our moderation using technology and expert insights, and 93% of hateful content that was removed from our platform last quarter was removed before it was reported to us.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Herald Scotland
5 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Harmful gender stereotypes being shaped by popular animated films
The study, entitled 'Mr Predator and Mrs Prey', suggests the pattern reinforces the idea that males are associated with aggression and dominance while females are linked to vulnerability and weakness. Almost 1,900 animal characters from children's films were analysed and even after accounting for an existing bias, the study found an overwhelming amount of males were predatory characters. Almost 75% of all characters were male, and 85% of those were predators while in contrast, female prey outnumbered female predators by four to one. Read More The study then followed up with 140 children aged between four and 14, and adults aged up to 65 and through a series of interactive tests, it was revealed that many carried those same strong gender beliefs. It suggests the stereotypes are internalised early in life and are then carried into adulthood where they can persist. Dr Wood said: 'In the animal world, a predator is no more likely to be a male than female, and likewise for prey but these movies perpetuate this narrative, and children acquire this stereotype young. 'This study shows how easily potentially harmful stereotypes can be learned by children from everyday media. While some argue that stereotypes reflect real world differences, this study demonstrates that children can develop false assumptions and lasting misconceptions that often persist into adulthood. 'In an era where predatory behaviour is increasingly under the media spotlight, both online and in in the real world, it's important to reflect on and properly understand how our perceptions might have been formed, and the impact these messages can have on individuals.' There are now growing calls for more nuanced and responsible portrayals in the many forms of media consumed by young children during critical developmental stages. One of the central themes of his Netflix series Adolescence is how social media has an influence on children, and how harmful stereotypes of masculinity can affect young people in their teenage years and shape perceptions of gender roles and behaviour. Dr Wood believes it is important to change those perceptions from an early age with more balanced gender roles in animated films. Dr Wood added: 'While some progress has been made toward greater gender representation in media—such as efforts by filmmakers to challenge traditional portrayals like the 'rescued princess'—the work is far from complete. 'To build a more equal society, we need to critically examine and reform the messages we send to our children. This study also highlights the need for further interdisciplinary research into how media influences development and stereotype formation. 'It's a reminder that what we expose children to - whether intentionally or not - has a profound impact, often more than we realise.'
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Daily Mail
Bill Nye the Science Guy sparks fan frenzy as throwback photos resurface
He taught a generation about chemical reactions, gravity, and the power of asking 'why?' But now, the internet is reacting to something else entirely: Bill Nye's surprisingly swoon-worthy younger years. A viral TikTok has sent social media into a frenzy after one user posted a 'thirst edit' of the beloved science educator, showcasing clips and photos of a younger Nye in his signature bow tie, glasses, and lab coat - with just enough smolder to ignite a new wave of fans. The video has racked up millions of views and likes, as users rush to the comments to express their shock and appreciation for the former PBS star's retro good looks. For those who grew up reciting the 'Bill! Bill! Bill!' chant, it may come as a surprise that the star of Bill Nye the Science Guy, which originally aired in 1993, has become an unlikely internet heartthrob. But this isn't Nye's first time in the spotlight - and certainly not his last. While TikTok is rediscovering his 90s charm, the real Bill Nye has stayed busy with far more than viral fame. In recent years, Nye has continued to champion science education, frequently visiting schools across the U.S. and speaking with students about everything from climate change to critical thinking. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom - the highest civilian honor in the U.S. - and remains a prominent advocate for environmental policy, regularly appearing on television and at public events to speak out against climate denial. These days, Nye is also the CEO of The Planetary Society, a nonprofit focused on space exploration. So yes, he's still saving the planet - just with fewer slow-motion science experiments and more policy briefs. Still, the internet couldn't help but pause their regularly scheduled scrolling to appreciate science's original heartthrob. 'Bill Nye the fine guy,' one TikTok user joked under the edit. 'WASN'T FAMILIAR WITH HIS GAME,' another commented. Though many users couldn't get over the absurdity of someone making a thirst edit of pictures of Bill Nye. One person commented: 'Never in my 28 years did I expect to see Bill Nye like this.' 'A Bill Nye edit was NOT on my bingo card for 2025,' another user said. 'Guys we can't be serious,' one user commented followed by laughing emojis. 'We used to watch this guy in elementary school.' Sadly for fans, Bill is currently married to Liza Mundy - a journalist and writer. The pair wed as part of a quiet ceremony in May 2022.
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Daily Record
Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein trailer drops after filming at spooky Scottish estate
The first trailer for Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein is out, with scenes filmed at a haunting estate in Aberdeenshire. The first trailer has landed for Guillermo del Toro's long-awaited adaptation of Frankenstein, and Scottish horror fans may recognise a hauntingly familiar backdrop. Last year, film crews descended on Aberdeenshire to shoot scenes for the highly anticipated Netflix production. Among the key locations was the atmospheric Dunecht House, a grand 19th-century mansion nestled in the north-east countryside, and the perfect setting for a gothic tale of monsters and madness, Aberdeen Live reported. With its dramatic granite façade, Greek and Italian architectural flourishes, sweeping arches and Scottish baronial towers, the stately home looks as though it was plucked straight from the pages of Mary Shelley's original novel. Little wonder then that del Toro and his team chose it as one of the film's centrepieces. Dunecht House dates back hundreds of years and was originally built as a replacement for a nearby mansion. Over time, it grew in scale and grandeur, boasting 24 bedrooms, 16 bathrooms, a 120-foot library, and even an observatory. Once a social hub for Scotland's elite, the estate hosted an annual ball attended by high-ranking families from the likes of Cluny Castle and Drum Castle. Beyond its architectural splendour, the mansion sits within breathtaking grounds, which are listed on the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland, a designation reserved for spaces of historical and artistic significance. Among the highlights are two formal terraces and a variety of landscaped gardens. But what truly cements its horror credentials is the house's otherworldly reputation. Locals have long whispered about strange goings-on behind its heavy doors, lending it an eerie mystique that makes it tailor-made for a chilling film like Frankenstein. According to the official logline, the film tells the story of 'a brilliant but egotistical scientist [who] brings a creature to life in a monstrous experiment that ultimately leads to the undoing of both the creator and his tragic creation.' Oscar Isaac stars as Dr Victor Frankenstein, with Jacob Elordi portraying the infamous Monster. Mia Goth takes on the role of Elizabeth, joined by Ralph Ineson as Professor Krempe and Christoph Waltz as Harlander. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The supporting cast also features Lars Mikkelsen, David Bradley, Felix Kammerer, Christian Covery and Charles Dance. Del Toro, known for transforming the monstrous into cinematic masterpieces, has long dreamed of adapting Frankenstein. In fact, he referenced Mary Shelley during his 2018 BAFTA acceptance speech for The Shape of Water, which went on to sweep the Oscars with four wins, including best picture and best director. His most recent collaboration with Netflix, Pinocchio, won the 2023 Academy Award for best animated feature. Now, with Frankenstein set for release in November 2025, the visionary director brings his gothic ambition full circle, and thanks to its starring turn in the film, Dunecht House may soon gain fame beyond Scotland's borders.
