Framing misogyny in the metaverse: theorising incel communities in virtual reality (VR) environments

This research note provides a theoretical exploration of how misogynist 'incel' (involuntary celibate) communities might adapt to and exploit developing technologies, particularly virtual reality (VR) and the emerging metaverse. Drawing on sociologist Erving Goffman's concept of frame analysis, we examine how immersive technologies could transform incel activity, identity construction, and modes of interaction. After reviewing the current literature on incels and immersive technologies, we propose five hypotheses regarding the potential affordances of these virtual spaces for incel ideology and action. We argue that the evolution of incel subcultures into these environments may not only deepen echo chambers of misogyny but also complicate efforts to moderate and intervene in gender-based harms online. This exploratory work aims to inform future empirical research on online violence against women and girls (VAWG) in Web 3.0 digital spaces and beyond.