Digital extremism: psychological and social repercussions and ways to confront it

Abstract

This research aims to identify the concept of digital extremism among youth, its most prominent repercussions (psychological and social effects), and ways to confront it. Digital extremism represents a complex and multidimensional challenge. Virtual reality has become a fertile ground for expanding the influence of jihadist groups and the growth of extremist ideologies. These groups have been able to exploit artificial intelligence tools, enabling them to easily transition from traditional forms of extremism to borderless digital spaces that facilitate the recruitment of youth, accelerate the dissemination of extremist rhetoric, and

The use of digital media and modern technologies, especially the internet and digital extremism (also known as digital extremism), includes social media platforms, live streaming, digital encryption, and video platforms for spreading extremist ideas. It has become possible to incite young people to violence and extremist ideas and ideologies almost instantly and to a global audience through open platforms. These platforms serve as central tools for disseminating propaganda content (Telegram, Discord) and encrypted platforms (YouTube, TikTok). They also facilitate the recruitment of young people and the transfer of funds through cryptocurrencies

Social and psychological factors such as loneliness, isolation, mental health problems, and the search for a sense of belonging are among the most important reasons that drive young people to seek relationships online, which facilitates the process of group polarization, as individuals in a group tend to adopt more extreme positions after discussions compared to their initial opinions, through the creation of (echo chambers), where like-minded individuals reinforce and amplify each other’s feelings of deprivation and beliefs, which also exposes them to more extreme content and facilitates the spread of misleading information and polarized discussion because members of these chambers reward this content.

Disengagement from extremist narratives in the digital environment is a complex process requiring multi-layered intervention, from empowering individuals and redesigning digital platforms to providing comprehensive community support, as one way to confront this growing threat.