ADOLESCENCE has shed light on hidden meanings behind emojis used by teenagers, particularly those associated with the “manosphere” and incel culture.
The coded messages featured in the Netflix smash hit are raising concerns among parents and experts about the potential dangers they represent. Here’s everything you need to know.
Netflix’s Adolescence has brought to light some of the secret meanings behind seemingly harmless emojis[/caption]
Adolescence highlights the negative influence social media can have on some teenagers.
In the show, 13-year-old Jamie Miller stabs his classmate Katie Leonard, whom he believed was bullying him, to death after being radicalised by extremist online content.
Actor Stephen Graham, who plays Jamie’s dad Eddie in Adolescence, said he was compelled to make the show after hearing about two instances of boys stabbing girls to death.
He explained: “I just thought, what’s going on in society where this kind of thing is becoming a regular occurrence?
“I just couldn’t fathom it. So I wanted to really have a look and try and shine a light on this particular thing.”
One tense scene in Adolescence draws attention to the secret code words and emojis used by teens, particularly those associated with incel culture.
Incels are defined as involuntary celibates of an online subculture who characterise themselves as unable to find a romantic or sexual partner despite desiring one.
Characteristics of incels often include resentment, misogyny, misanthropy, self-pity, self-loathing, racism, a sense of entitlement to sex and the endorsement of violence against sexually active people.
Here are some of the emojis used by teens in incel circles and the meanings behind them:
Red pill emoji
The red pill emoji is a key symbol in the manosphere, derived from the movie The Matrix. In this context, being “red-pilled” means:
- Seeing the world as it “really is”
- Understanding the supposed “true nature” of women’s behaviour and dating preferences
- Adopting a misogynistic worldview
This emoji is used to signal that someone has embraced these beliefs and sees themselves as enlightened to the “truth” about gender dynamics.
As Adam, played by Amari Bacchus, explains in Adolescence: “The red pill is like ‘I see the truth’. It’s a call to action by the manosphere.
“She’s saying he’s an incel, dad. She’s saying he always will be. That’s why they say you’re an incel, they’re saying you’re going to be a virgin forever.”
100 emoji
While traditionally used to mean “100%” or “absolutely,” the 100 emoji has taken on a darker meaning in incel circles.
It refers to the “80/20 rule,” a misguided theory suggesting that:
- 80% of women are attracted to only 20% of men
- This imbalance justifies “tricking” women into relationships
- Normal dating approaches are futile for most men
In Adolescence, Adam tells DI Bascom: “80% of women are attracted to 20% of men.
“Women, you must trick them because you’ll never get them in a normal way.”
Kidney bean emoji
The kidney bean emoji has been co-opted by incel communities for self-identification and to label others who share their views.
This seemingly innocuous symbol now carries weight in these online spaces, signalling alignment with incel ideology.
It’s important to note that emoji usage is fluid and context is very important.
The usage of these symbols doesn’t necessarily indicate involvement with harmful ideologies.
Keeping kids safe online
Charities including the NSPCC have provided guidance about online child safety.
Their website explains: “Talking regularly with your child can help keep them safe online.
“Making it part of daily conversation, like you would about their day at school, will help your child feel relaxed.”
You can find more advice from the NSPCC on their website.
The NSPCC recommends that children should have multiple people they can confide in, for example:
- An adult family member
- A teacher
- Calling Childline on 0800 1111
