The Use of Social Media to Spread Extremist Ideologies and Radicalize Individuals

The use of the Internet by extremists is nothing new but has changed drastically over time. Originally located primarily on small sites dedicated to hate speech, extremist ideologies have spread to mainstream platforms like Facebook where 2 out of 3 Americans have an account (Schaeffer). According to a study by the Global Internet Forum on Counter Terrorism, about 70% of content taken down by social media websites is material that promotes or glorifies terrorism (Diaz and Hecht-Felella). Studies have shown social media has become an essential tool for extremists with a study of terrorists in the United Kingdom showing 61% of all attackers used the Internet to learn about extremist ideologies, spread propaganda and plan attacks (Binder and Kenyon). The objective of this paper is to better understand how far-right and Islamist extremists use social media to promote their ideologies and encourage violence. In addition, the paper also examines possible mitigation and prevention techniques to reduce extremism. To do this, the paper analyzes the evolution of social media, the changing demographics of extremists, online messaging, types of extremist participation, and new technologies used by extremists.