What did Netflix's 'Adolescence' get wrong? Incels, Misogyny & Mental Health

*Important info*. Tickets can only be bought on our Ticket Tailor page. See further info here: tickettailor.com/events/conn8cting/1826774/r/meetup1

To note: As the topic of the below talk is high profile, we strongly suggest getting tickets early.

The Agenda

18:30-19:30 - Arrivals & structured networking/ice-breakers
Arrive, mingle and grab drinks. You'll have more time than ever before to meet others. You'll be moving between tables in small groups discussing intriguing discussion/ice-breaker questions (optional). If you want to meet like-minded young professionals you're welcome to join. This part of the event's ideal for anyone who works (or aspires to work) in psychology, neuroscience, education, healthcare or related fields. We'll also have an interactive pub psychology quiz in groups using your mobile phone.
19:30-20:10- 'TED style' talk
Learn something new. You'll get printed handouts from the Powerpoint slides.
20:10 - 20:40 - Q and A
Question time - the chance to ask your questions about this topic and anything else you'd like to know with our expert speaker.
20:40 - 22:00 - Networking mingle
Informally meet our speaker and other likeminded people, continuing conversations, drinks, sharing knowledge and reflections. Whether you've got a personal or professional interest, anyone who wants to connect with young professionals is welcome to join! This is a great way to expand your social and professional network.

*Important info*. Tickets can only be bought on our Ticket Tailor page. See further info here: tickettailor.com/events/conn8cting/1826774/r/meetup1

The Talk

Understanding the Landscape

• How did the incel identity begin and how has it changed over time? Get a clear understanding of its supportive origins to modern online misogyny. Understand how online spaces shape this change.

Clinical and Psychological Dimensions

• Recognise the core psychological issues often found among incel-identifying individuals, including depression, social anxiety, trauma and neurodivergence.

Risk Management and Engagement

• Apply trauma-informed strategies to support individuals while identifying red flags for violence or self-harm, using digital literacy and empathy as key tools.

Critical and Ethical Reflection

• Critique the risks of uncritical engagement with incel narratives and reflect on how to balance empathy with the need to challenge harmful beliefs.

*Important info*. Tickets can only be bought on our Ticket Tailor page. See further info here: tickettailor.com/events/conn8cting/1826774/r/meetup1

The Speaker

Dr Damon Parsons
Dr Damon Parsons is a forensic psychiatrist at Broadmoor Hospital - the oldest high-security psychiatric hospital in England. Dr Parsons serves as a ward doctor and honorary research fellow. He has a longstanding academic and clinical interest in the intersection between mental health and the digital world.

Dr Parsons is the founder of CEAR (Cyberpsychiatry Education Awareness Research), an initiative dedicated to understanding how online environments shape mental illness, identity, and behaviour. His work is informed by both clinical expertise and lived experience.

He has been a vocal advocate for the development of cyber-psychiatry as a distinct sub-field. His research has addressed topics including online radicalisation, incel ideology and the impact of influencers such as Andrew Tate.

Dr Parsons has delivered talks and training sessions for a wide range of national and international bodies, including the American Psychiatric Association, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA).

Tickets can only be bought on our Ticket Tailor page. See further info here: tickettailor.com/events/conn8cting/1826774/r/meetup1

The Venue
We have exclusive use of the green room (upstairs) at the Star of Kings pub. Further details about the pub can be found here.
Just a short stroll from Kings Cross station, this pub is known for its selection of craft beers and cocktails. You'll also find a highly recommended selection of burgers to choose from and you'll be close to a number of restaurants nearby.
One of the few traditional pubs in Kings Cross, the Star of Kings boasts a large beer garden and classic arcade games downstairs.

FAQs – Pub psychology events

Where can I get tickets?

*Important info*. Tickets can only be bought on our Ticket Tailor page. See further info here: tickettailor.com/events/conn8cting/1826774/r/meetup1

Who attends these events?
This event is open to anyone regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender. We welcome a range of age ranges - most attendees are in their 20s and 30s. The idea is to learn about psychology, neuroscience and healthcare from experts, while meeting likeminded people. Come along if you have an interest in the subject matter and want to network with likeminded people. The event's ideal for anyone with a personal or professional interest working in (or aspires to work in) psychology, neuroscience, education, healthcare or related fields. It's a great way to expand your social and professional network.

Will you sell tickets on the door?
No! All our tickets are sold before the event so please don't arrive on the day as you'll be turned away. Pub psychology events are popular and tend to sell-out. Please get a ticket in advance!

I’m not sure if I’ll arrive in time after work. Should I still come?
Yes! If you have a ticket, please come whenever you can (ideally before the talk begins). For pub psychology events, talks begin 30 minutes after the scheduled start time. This gives you time to settle in, network with others and grab a drink or food. Please double check the event agenda on Ticket Tailor (the platform we use to sell tickets) as times vary depending on the event.

Will I be able to socialise?
Yes! You're welcome to come along if you've simply got a personal interest in the topics. Based on feedback, we’ve also added loads of new opportunities for professional networking. This event's ideal for those with a professional interest working (or aspire to work) in psychology, neuroscience, education, healthcare or related fields. It's a great way to expand your social and professional network. Many people attend alone and please do reach out if you want to be introduced to anyone or need support. For pub psychology events, we recommend arriving early for ice breakers. We’ll have a pub psychology quiz arranged in groups after the expert talk and there’s always a friendly group of us who’ll stay for drinks afterwards.

Are you on social media?
Yes - we are! Join our Whatsapp group to hear about the latest events: WhatsApp Group Invite
You can also follow us on Instagram: @Conn8cting

*Important info*. Tickets can only be bought on our Ticket Tailor page. See further info here: tickettailor.com/events/conn8cting/1826774/r/meetup1