What the study found
The study found that people in an incel forum showed different language trajectories depending on whether they left permanently, stayed, or left and later returned. The authors describe this as a layered model of online radicalisation and disengagement.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that these findings offer insights for developing targeted clinical interventions. The study suggests that tracking linguistic changes over time may help identify different patterns of disengagement and re-engagement.
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 tool that measures features of language linked to psychological states, to compare Desisters, Persisters, and Returners.
What worked and what didn't
Overall differences between the groups were minimal. Desisters showed increasing grievances and hostility over time, while Persisters showed more stable emotions and increased social clout. Returners showed lower desperation and frustration after disengagement, but when they returned they showed a significant decline in analytic thinking and continued hate, which the authors interpret as re-radicalisation.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe specific limitations beyond the observational nature of the analysis. The findings are based on one online community and on linguistic markers, so the summary does not provide evidence about causes or effects beyond the patterns observed.
Key points
- The study compared forum users who permanently left, stayed active, or left and later returned.
- Most group differences were small overall, but distinct language trajectories appeared over time.
- Desisters showed rising grievances and hostility.
- Persisters showed relatively stable emotions and increased social clout.
- Returners showed lower desperation and frustration after leaving, but on return showed less analytic thinking and continued hate.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Different linguistic paths marked leaving, staying, and returning
- Authors:
- Melissa S. de Roos, Giorgia Caon
- Institutions:
- Erasmus University Rotterdam, Erasmus University Rotterdam
- Publication date:
- 2026-01-28
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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