Toxic Masculinity and Incel Culture in Adolescence
At its core, Adolescence is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked toxic masculinity. The show follows 13-year-old Jamie Miller, a quiet and socially awkward boy who is accused of murdering his classmate, Katie. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes evident that Jamie was deeply immersed in online communities that promote incel ideology.
The series highlights how these groups manipulate vulnerable young men, convincing them that they are victims of a feminist-controlled society. They promote the idea that women are to blame for their loneliness and frustrations, often escalating into dangerous rhetoric that justifies violence.
By showcasing Jamie’s descent into these beliefs, Adolescence forces viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about how easily radicalisation can occur. It also serves as a wake-up call for parents and educators to be aware of the warning signs and engage in open conversations with young people about the content they consume online.
Understanding Incel Culture
The term incel is short for “involuntary celibate” and originally referred to people struggling with dating and relationships. However, in recent years, the term has become associated with a misogynistic subculture that blames women for their lack of romantic success. Incels often believe that society is rigged against them, reinforcing a victimhood mindset that can lead to resentment, hostility, and, in extreme cases, violence.
Online incel communities promote dangerous ideologies, such as:
- The “Chad vs. Beta” Narrative: The belief that attractive, dominant men (“Chads”) effortlessly attract women, while less conventionally attractive men (“Betas”) are ignored or rejected.
- Hypergamy Theory: The idea that women only seek relationships with the most successful and attractive men, leaving average or below-average men with no romantic prospects.
- Black Pill Ideology: A more extreme and fatalistic version of the red pill concept, in which incels believe their situation is hopeless and that self-improvement or social change is futile.
This worldview fosters a toxic cycle of self-pity and external blame, leading some individuals to justify harassment or even violence against women. In recent years, incel-related attacks have brought this subculture into mainstream awareness, making discussions like the one in Adolescence all the more relevant.
The Hidden Codes and Toxic Masculinity in Netflix’s Adolescence
The show does more than tell a gripping story—it exposes the hidden language of online radicalisation, particularly through emojis.
If you have watched the Netflix acclaimed mini-series Adolescence and have struggled to understand the language, you’re not alone. The dynamic between Detective Inspector Bascombe and his son Adam highlights the difficulties parents face in deciphering their children’s online language.
While Bascombe’s generation typically interprets emojis at face value or as casual additions to messages, younger users often repurpose these symbols with creative, ironic, or hidden meanings.
This coded communication, widely used in manosphere communities, plays a significant role in shaping the beliefs of young men who feel disenfranchised. Here’s a closer look at what these symbols mean and how Adolescence shines a light on a growing social issue.
Deciphering the Emojis in Adolescence
The show portrays how how young men engage in toxic online spaces. The series reveals that many of these communities use emojis to subtly reinforce misogynistic beliefs. Here are some key symbols that appear in the show and their hidden meanings:
- Red Pill Emoji (💊): Originating from The Matrix, taking the “red pill” symbolizes awakening to an alleged truth. In incel communities, it represents adopting misogynistic beliefs, suggesting that society favors women over men
- Dynamite Emoji (💥): When paired with the red pill emoji, it signifies an “exploding red pill,” indicating extreme incel ideologies
- 100 Emoji (💯): Refers to the belief that 80% of women are attracted to only 20% of men, implying that average men have diminished chances in romantic pursuits
- Kidney Bean Emoji (🫘): Used derogatorily to mock women and identify oneself as an incel
- Colored Heart Emojis:
- Red Heart (❤️): Love.
- Purple Heart (💜): Sexual desire
- Yellow Heart (💛): Interest in someone
- Pink Heart (💗): Interest without sexual intent
- Orange Heart (🧡): Conveying that someone will be fine
kidsonlineworld.com has a great info chart showing the emojis seen in the programme plus more that you may want to understand to fully get a grasp of this new ‘language’.
Why Adolescence Matters
Beyond its compelling storyline, Adolescence serves as a much-needed social commentary. It sheds light on a hidden but dangerous subculture that has real-world implications. With incel-related attacks becoming more frequent in recent years, understanding the origins and symbols of this movement is more crucial than ever.
For parents, educators, and anyone working with young people, Adolescence is more than just a show—it’s an opportunity to start important conversations about internet safety, emotional intelligence, and the impact of online communities. Parents need to know how to decode their children’s digital communication so they can really understand what is going on.
Have you watched Adolescence? What are your thoughts on how the show tackles toxic masculinity? Let us know in the comments below.
Sources:
Culture Reframed: Understanding the Dangers of the Incel Movement and Its Harmful Views of Women
UK Addiction Treatment Centres: Netflix’s Adolescence: Are parents to blame?
