Livvy Dunne Discusses Incels And The Internet In 2025

In the realm of social media, few names loom larger than Livvy Dunne. Known widely for her gymnastics talents at LSU and her massive following across TikTok and Instagram, Livvy has become a cultural fixture for Gen Z—someone people look up to not just for athletic prowess but also for her lighthearted content, brand collaborations, and glimpses into college life. But imagine, for a moment, that Livvy Dunne decided to wade into one of the internet’s more treacherous debates: the topic of incels—short for “involuntary celibates,” individuals (primarily men) who believe they are unable to form romantic or sexual relationships, often expressing frustration or resentment toward society as a result.

Livvy inadvertently sparks a social media firestorm when she posts a series of stories and short videos discussing the issue. Below is a made-up account of how that conversation unfolds, the reactions it garners, and Livvy’s introspective commentary on the matter.

1. The Accidental Icebreaker

It all starts innocently enough. Livvy—busy with gymnastics practice, classes, and the occasional brand deal—finds herself scrolling through a trending discussion about online communities on one of her rare off days. Intrigued by a TikTok commentary piece on incels, she reposts it to her Instagram story with a simple caption: “Wow, this is intense. Thoughts?”

To her surprise, her followers immediately flood her DMs with comments. Some people respond with genuine curiosity: “I’ve heard this term but never understood it. Could you explain more?” Others react with anger or confusion: “Why would you talk about incels? That’s a can of worms you don’t want to open.” Livvy, generally laid-back and open to dialogue, is intrigued by the range of opinions. She decides to share a video the next day, elaborating on her thoughts in a quick 60-second post.

2. Livvy’s First Video: “We Need to Talk About Incels”

In the fictional video, shot from her dorm room, Livvy addresses her fans directly:

“Hey guys, Livvy here! So, a lot of you saw my story about incels. Honestly, I’ve been reading up on it a bit, and it’s kind of heartbreaking. A lot of these guys feel isolated and angry—sometimes in really harmful ways, especially toward women. But I also think it’s important to understand the root causes of this frustration. We can’t just write them off as monsters without trying to see where they’re coming from. Does that mean we excuse hateful behavior? Absolutely not. But maybe we should be talking about mental health support, community, and empathy. Let me know what you think!”

With that, she signs off, expecting mostly supportive responses. And indeed, many fans applaud her attempt to tackle a serious subject beyond her usual lighthearted lifestyle content. However, there’s also a sizable pushback—some accuse her of “giving a platform to hateful groups,” while others argue she’s “too naive about the real danger incels can pose.” Despite the controversy, Livvy’s curiosity deepens; she decides to continue the conversation.

3. Parsing the Backlash

Over the next few days, Livvy’s mentions on social media blow up. Some online critics, especially on Twitter, scold her: “Stick to gymnastics, Livvy!” or “This influencer has no clue how deep the rabbit hole goes.” A handful of articles in pop-culture blogs question her motives: “Is Livvy Dunne glamorizing incel culture?” The critiques sting, but in this fictional account, Livvy tries to respond calmly: she posts a follow-up message clarifying her stance.

“I’m not here to glamorize anything. In fact, I’m strongly against hateful speech or violence. I just think we need a more nuanced approach. Some of these men are suffering from deep loneliness or rejection, and society doesn’t always have good tools to help them. That said, we can’t ignore the dangerous views that incel communities can foster. It’s a double-edged sword.”

Her message, while well-meaning, continues to attract a storm of reactions. Many see it as a balanced view, but some corners of the internet—those that might identify with incel communities—take it as an invitation to share their perspectives or harass her for not fully “understanding their struggle.”

4. Inside the DMs: Confronting Extreme Views

In this fictional timeline, Livvy’s DMs are inundated with incel-related messages. Some are heartfelt appeals for empathy: young men expressing that they can’t form relationships and feel lost in a world that seems to celebrate extroverted charm and success. Others are more hostile, accusing Livvy of hypocrisy: “You benefit from male attention on social media, so of course you can’t see our perspective!”

Livvy is taken aback. She shares screenshots (with names blurred out) of some of the more extreme messages—threats, insults, and the classic “You wouldn’t last a day without simps” rhetoric. She reiterates in an Instagram story that while she wants to foster dialogue, she won’t tolerate direct hate or harassment.

5. The Gymnastics Community Reacts

Word of Livvy’s incel commentary even reaches her gymnastics circles. Some of her teammates are supportive, praising her willingness to address a complex social issue. Others worry this might overshadow her athletic accomplishments or even jeopardize potential sponsorships. Brands that partner with Livvy typically expect upbeat, apolitical content—diving into incel discourse is far off the usual brand script.

In this fictional scenario, a representative from one of her sponsors tentatively calls her up: “We respect your freedom to voice your opinion, but can we talk about how this might affect your image?” Livvy, determined to speak her mind while maintaining professional relationships, promises to keep the conversation respectful, hoping not to alienate supporters or sponsors. Yet, she refuses to back down from exploring social questions she deems important.

6. Livvy’s Fictional Live Stream: “Q&A on Incel Culture”

Hoping to clear the air, Livvy schedules a live stream Q&A session on TikTok, labeling it “Let’s Talk: Incels, Loneliness, and Mental Health.” The turnout is massive—tens of thousands tune in, many out of mere curiosity, others eager to debate. Over the next hour, she fields questions from a rapid-fire comment section:

• Q: “Why focus on incels when there are countless other online hate groups?”
• A: “Fair point—there are many. But incels are often misunderstood or lumped into one category of ‘dangerous misogynists.’ Some absolutely fit that mold, but others are just lost or seeking acceptance.”
• Q: “Don’t you think you’re just giving them attention they don’t deserve?”
• A: “I get that argument. But ignoring issues doesn’t make them disappear. I believe in shining a light on them and offering better solutions, like therapy, healthy communities, or social programs.”
• Q: “Aren’t you afraid of personal attacks?”
• A: “Yes, but letting fear silence you isn’t the answer. I want to show that it’s possible to hold a stance of empathy without tolerating hatred or harassment.”

While many applaud her live-stream for elevating the discussion, a vocal contingent remains unconvinced. Some watchers troll the comment section, reaffirming incel rhetoric about “femoids” and “Chads.” Livvy calmly addresses the noise, but it’s clear that not everyone wants an open conversation.

7. Reflecting on the Bigger Picture

As the controversy simmers, Livvy posts a longer video—what she calls her “final word” on the subject, at least for the time being. She appears more serious than usual, wearing a simple sweatshirt rather than her typical lively attire. In the video, she speaks directly to the camera:

“Look, I’m a gymnast, a college student, and a social media creator. I’m not a trained psychologist. I never claimed to have all the answers. But what I’ve learned is that anger and isolation can morph into toxic beliefs if left unchecked. Online groups can amplify that anger, sometimes encouraging dangerous or hateful behavior toward women. That’s not okay. I stand against that wholeheartedly. But on the flip side, many people who identify as incels might not realize they have healthier paths available—through therapy, friendships, or opening up about their struggles. We can’t solve this problem with rage or hostility; we solve it by providing better resources and understanding for mental health. That’s where I land, and I hope that resonates with some of you.”

Naturally, the reaction is mixed. Supporters hail her as a voice for empathetic discussion in a chaotic online environment. Critics accuse her of oversimplifying. Extreme corners might label her a “pick me,” or claim she’s clueless about incel realities. But Livvy, in this fictional tale, takes it in stride, reminding herself that she’s done what she can to spark awareness without losing her own values.

8. Conclusion: The Balance of Empathy and Boundaries

By the end of this entirely fictional saga, Livvy Dunne finds herself in a peculiar position—she has become, if temporarily, the face of an unexpected conversation about incels, mental health, and community. She’s still the successful, high-spirited gymnast whose daily routines inspire countless fans. She’s still a brand ambassador with obligations to sponsors. Yet, in this alternate timeline, she’s also a budding voice on a challenging topic.

She’s learned that stepping outside her usual content can yield both meaningful engagement and heated backlash. She’s discovered that “empathy” and “boundaries” can coexist—you can want to help, but you don’t have to subject yourself to abuse. And she’s accepted that social media, while powerful for activism and discourse, can also spotlight the most extreme reactions.

In this fictional world, the question remains: Is the conversation truly over, or has Livvy’s earnest dive into incel culture merely scratched the surface of a deeper discussion about loneliness, resentment, and modern relationships? The internet’s memory is short; controversies come and go. But for those who tuned in and felt seen—whether they identified with incel frustration or empathized with it from a distance—Livvy’s words might have made a small ripple in how they perceive themselves and each other. And perhaps that’s the quiet victory hidden within the clash: that a college athlete and social media star used her platform for more than sponsor shoutouts, daring to address a topic that most mainstream personalities tiptoe around.