How do extremists radicalize followers online?

Radicalization and Ideological Influence Online

So What?

Extremist groups are increasingly using online platforms like Twitter (or X) to recruit members, mobilize communication around contentious issues, increase commitment to extremism, and incite violence. With this in mind, it’s important that national security professionals understand the messaging strategies of these groups so that they can combat them.

Project Summary

This project explores online messaging strategies and how they may be used to either promote or counter extremist rhetoric. The research team is examining messaging strategies on publicly accessible platforms like Twitter to understand how extremist groups build an audience among “neutral” observers.

Purpose/Objectives

This project seeks to provide the Department of Homeland Security with insights about the processes extremists groups use to recruit members, increase commitment to extremism, and incite violence. The project will identify how messaging strategies enhance commitment to extremism and violence, what types of messages precipitate violence, and what messaging can counter extremist rhetoric.

Method

1. Natural language processing of social media posts before and after extremist events in the U.S.
2. Controlled laboratory experiments

Outputs and Impact

• Academic reports
• Public research briefs
• Technical reports for NCITE and DHS stakeholders
• Presentations to DHS stakeholders, the media and the public

	Matthew Jensen, Ph.D. University of Oklahoma Associate Professor Department of Management Information Systems Expertise: Computer-aided decision making, knowledge management, human-computer interaction, and computer-mediated communication
	Shane Connelly, Ph.D. University of Oklahoma Professor Center for Applied Social Research Expertise: Online behavior of ideological group leaders and members, technology uses
	Hairong Song, Ph.D. University of Oklahoma Associate Professor Department of Psychology Expertise: Quantitative methods, substance use and mental health outcomes among children, adolescents, and young adults

Publications

• Messaging Matters: Ideological Influence Online - Year 3 Final Report
• Year 2 Final Report: Project Performance Reporting