Online Radicalization
No. 143; January 2025
Adolescents are vulnerable to radicalization, the process through which a person adopts an extreme political or religious position. Radicalized groups of people differ in their beliefs, but they often share the idea that violence is needed to protect or restore order from a potential threat. “Hate groups” are radical groups that encourage hostility or violence against persons based on characteristics such as political orientation, ethnicity, race, nationality, religion, gender or sexuality. Increasing communication via the internet has shifted radicalization online, often to social media. Some radical communities now communicate exclusively via social media and messaging apps.
Radicalization is based on the idea of “us” vs “them,” creating a sense of belonging to a specific group in contrast to outsiders. The “in group” is typically seen as right, righteous, and true, in direct contrast to the alien or deviant “out group.” Adolescents are at risk because they tend to question the status quo, experiment with points of view and identity, and place high value on social approval and relationships, including in online communities. Teen boys who spend large amounts of time socializing and discussing politics online are most vulnerable. Other risk factors include isolation, family separation, mental illness, bullying, and trauma.
Adolescents increasingly seek social connection through social media and forums. Online communities are often organized around shared beliefs, forming “echo chambers”, which are environments where a person only encounters opinions that are similar to their own. Social media algorithms often deliver progressively extreme content based on user interest. Relative anonymity afforded by the internet makes engagement seem less risky.
Recruiters for online radicalized groups have been known to preferentially target adolescents through video gaming and social media. They may start by using slurs or making radical statements during online gaming, forwarding links of propaganda videos or websites to those who respond. Such sites often initially appear harmless but feature hidden extremist rhetoric.
It is important for parents and caregivers to be able to identify youth and young adults who may be at risk for radicalization. Warning signs may include the following:
- Social withdrawal
- Increasing time spent socializing online
- Development of new, strict, or radical beliefs
- Use of “in-group” language, symbols, and images
- Mental health issues including depression, suicidal thoughts, or substance use.
In order to prevent involvement with extremist groups, parents should:
- Openly discuss social and political ideas with children and teens
- Promote social contact with people of different backgrounds
- Encourage regular in-person social connection with peers
- Limit and monitor use of screen and social media
- Discuss sources of bias, including racial and gender bias
- Suggest movies, programs and stories featuring main characters of different backgrounds and groups
- Maintain open conversations about online habits and experiences
- Be familiar with the social media platforms your child uses
Parents concerned their children are engaging with extremist contacts or material should ask about their experiences directly. Parents should report hateful online content or behavior to the game developer or website.
Parents concerned about their child’s imminent safety or potential for violence should immediately contact law enforcement. If parents feel unable to help a teen involved with an extremist group, they should seek help from their child’s pediatrician or a child psychiatrist. A qualified professional will help your child understand the consequences of their interest in hate groups, find better ways to meet their needs, and help your family navigate the situation in a safe and healthy manner.
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