Online Radicalization

timeframe of first generation

1984 to mid-2000s

platforms of first generation

one-way forum sites and website

impact on radicalization in first generation

extremist groups and networks spread propaganda more broadly and reach new recruits

impact on terrorist tactics and targeting in first generation

training and command-and-control now possible through virtual formats

timeframe of second generation

mid-2000s to late 2020s

platforms of second generation

large social media platforms

impact on radicalization in second generation

echo chambers, organizations are less important, more extremist ideologies turn to violence

impact on terrorist tactics and targeting in second generation

more lone actors with little training attacking soft targets with rudimentary weaponry

timeframe of third generation

late 2010s to today

platforms of third generation

end-to-end encrypted apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram and far-right specific apps like Gab and Parler

impact on radicalization in third generation

Ideology grows less important; humour and memes contribute to the radicalization process and strengthen in-group bonds. Manifestos are shared more often. Women and children, mental health, and other vulnerabilities play a greater role as part of mass radicalization

impact on terrorist tactics and targeting in third generation

Violence is committed almost exclusively by lone actors, with more diffuse targeting, often aimed at accelerating the collapse. Less effective attacks from less professional fighters. Shortened timelines and climate of unpredictability.

6 research suggestions from Conway

• widen

  • study more than just jihabi extremism

• compare

  • more comparative studies

• deepening

  • look at the why

• upscale

  • use big data analysis

• outreach

  • collaborate with different fields

• gender

  • gender-based violence

  • why are most extremists men

  • what role do women play

Why so many conspiracy theories during COVID?

COVID was so new and shocking, conspiracy theories offer simple answers and a sense of control

Effects of conspiracy theories

Us vs them thinking, reinforce group identity, justify hostility or violence, enemy group can be identified

societal impact of conspiracism and extremism

• erodes trust in public health measures and democratic institutions, fueling vaccine resistance

• deepens social divisions and normalizes extremist attitudes

• online echo chambers amplify misinformation and polarization

• increased fear, trauma, and societal fragmentation

Ashreet Acharya’s key findings

• awareness is a necessary step toward belief, but does not guarantee endorsement

• right-leaning associated with practically negligible increase in exposure to covid conspiracies

• social media use leads to exposure

• exposure found across all voting groups and non-voters

What did Gaudette study?

The role of the internet in facilitating violent extremism in Canada; radicalization is a social process

What did Ware study?

the next step of online radicalization:

• detached users from reality

• salad bar ideology

• platform incentives

• radicalization is participatory and gamified