L’odio indicibile: un’indagine etnografica digitale sulle comunità Femcel

The term Femcel is a neologism derived from 'female' and 'involuntary celibate'. This study investigates the occurrence of hate speech within an online Femcel platform known as Crystalcafe. The conversations of the users of this online community were analysed by employing the methodological framework of digital media ethnography and using the qualitative research software NVivo. Users, who feel excluded from romantic love and sex, share experiences, opinions and challenges pertaining to relational and sexual dynamics. However, behind the apparent sharing and solidarity, complex manifestations of hate speech emerge, fostering an environment where expressions of anger, misandry, and other forms of discrimination proliferate.