What the study found
Users in an incel forum showed different linguistic trajectories depending on whether they permanently left, stayed, or left and later returned. Overall differences between groups were minimal, but the study identified distinct patterns over time.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that these patterns offer a layered model of online radicalisation. They say the findings provide insights that could help develop targeted clinical interventions.
What the researchers tested
The researchers analyzed 2,009,875 comments from an incel forum across six years. They used longitudinal linear mixed models and Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC), a text-analysis tool that tracks psychological language markers, to compare Desisters, Persisters, and Returners.
What worked and what didn't
Desisters showed increasing grievances and hostility over time. Persisters showed more stable emotions and increased social clout. Returners showed lower desperation and frustration after disengaging, but when they re-engaged they showed a significant decline in analytic thinking and continued hate, which the authors describe as re-radicalisation.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe specific limitations beyond the scope of the dataset and comparison groups. The findings are based on one incel forum and on linguistic markers rather than direct measures of behavior or mental state.
Key points
- The study compared three groups: Desisters, Persisters, and Returners in an incel forum.
- Returners showed lower desperation and frustration after disengagement, but their re-engagement was linked to reduced analytic thinking and persistent hate.
- Desisters showed increasing grievances and hostility over time.
- Persisters showed more stable emotions and increased social clout.
- The authors describe the pattern as a layered model of online radicalisation.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Forum engagement showed distinct linguistic paths over time
- Authors:
- Melissa S. de Roos, Giorgia Caon
- Institutions:
- Erasmus University Rotterdam
- Publication date:
- 2026-01-28
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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