With the previous talk about why people tend to care about politics in general and radical politics especially it is now time to actually talk about what radicalization is and how it affects how it always is not a good idea to be radicalized when speaking on a complex subject for example, gun laws.
With the previous talk about why people tend to care about politics in general and radical politics especially it is now time to actually talk about what radicalization is and how it affects how it always is not a good idea to be radicalized when speaking on a complex subject for example, gun laws.
So what acutally is radicalization and what examples of it can we find in the real world ?
Radicalization is a process where people adopt ideals and stretch them to extremes that normally would disregard comprimize from idealistic opposition. This normally happens over time and turns neutral individuals into extremists and researchers have identified several factors that contribute to radicalization, and understanding these can help us see why it’s dangerous.
The easiest way of consuming radical ideas is without question through the mainstream internet and prime-time news stations. Social media platforms, online forums, and websites spread extreme views as quickly as viruses can affect a population. People may start by visiting sites like Twitter or /pol/ as a tourist / out of curiosity or because they share some common frustrations. Over time, they are exposed to more and more extreme content as especially for sites like Twitter and Youtube, where software engineers are trying to maximize viewer engagement, someones beliefs may change over time extremely quickly and gradually. This process is sometimes called “online grooming” because it’s similar to how predators manipulate their victims.
Another factor is personal or social grievances. If someone feels marginalized, discriminated against, or unjustly treated, they might be more susceptible to radical ideologies that promise change or revenge.
Extremist groups love to exploit these feelings by presenting themselves as the giving the only solutions to someones problems. For example, if someone feels that their government is corrupt or oppressive, they might be drawn to some radical groups that claim to offer justice or a new order to their communities.
Radicalization is also, but less commonly, driven by a desire for belonging. People who feel isolated or lack a sense of purpose might find a sense of community and identity in extremist groups. These groups often provide a clear ideology and a sense of mission, which can be very appealing to someone searching for meaning in their life.
The danger of radicalization is that it narrows a person’s perspective. Instead of seeing the complexity of political and social issues, they start viewing the world in black and white. This can lead to supporting or committing acts of violence, thinking it’s the only way to achieve their goals. In reality, such actions often create more problems and suffering, making it harder to find peaceful and effective solutions.
So what acutally is radicalization and what examples of it can we find in the real world ?
Radicalization is a process where people adopt ideals and stretch them to extremes that normally would disregard comprimize from idealistic opposition. This normally happens over time and turns neutral individuals into extremists and researchers have identified several factors that contribute to radicalization, and understanding these can help us see why it’s dangerous.
The easiest way of consuming radical ideas is without question through the mainstream internet and prime-time news stations. Social media platforms, online forums, and websites spread extreme views as quickly as viruses can affect a population. People may start by visiting sites like Twitter or /pol/ as a tourist / out of curiosity or because they share some common frustrations. Over time, they are exposed to more and more extreme content as especially for sites like Twitter and Youtube, where software engineers are trying to maximize viewer engagement, someones beliefs may change over time extremely quickly and gradually. This process is sometimes called “online grooming” because it’s similar to how predators manipulate their victims.
Another factor is personal or social grievances. If someone feels marginalized, discriminated against, or unjustly treated, they might be more susceptible to radical ideologies that promise change or revenge.
Extremist groups love to exploit these feelings by presenting themselves as the giving the only solutions to someones problems. For example, if someone feels that their government is corrupt or oppressive, they might be drawn to some radical groups that claim to offer justice or a new order to their communities.
Radicalization is also, but less commonly, driven by a desire for belonging. People who feel isolated or lack a sense of purpose might find a sense of community and identity in extremist groups. These groups often provide a clear ideology and a sense of mission, which can be very appealing to someone searching for meaning in their life.
The danger of radicalization is that it narrows a person’s perspective. Instead of seeing the complexity of political and social issues, they start viewing the world in black and white. This can lead to supporting or committing acts of violence, thinking it’s the only way to achieve their goals. In reality, such actions often create more problems and suffering, making it harder to find peaceful and effective solutions.
Here’s a quick diagram of what I am talking about.
WARNING !!! POLITICAL ARGUMENTS IN THIS IMAGE !!!
Understanding how radicalization happens helps us recognize the warning signs and take steps to prevent it. Promoting critical thinking, open dialogue, and inclusive yet expansive communities are crucial in countering the spread of extremist ideas. Another way of mitigating radicalization is being able to take the tough steps of exposing yourself to different ideals from different parts of the political spectrum. By addressing the root causes of radicalization, we can help people find healthier ways to engage with the political landscape and work towards positive change.
Thanks to OpenAi GPT4 for helping me research and help me develop a blueprint and flow for this project & blog post
Sources and helpful studies that I’ve been using for this project:
https://misinforeview.hks.harvard.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/nikolov_partisanship_vulnerability_misinformation_20210215.pdf
https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/nij/250171.pdf
https://www.csis.org/analysis/pushed-extremes-domestic-terrorism-amid-polarization-and-protest
https://extremism.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/zaxdzs5746/files/Anarchist%20-%20Left-Wing%20Violent%20Extremism%20in%20America.pdf
https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/208552.pdf
https://www.brookings.edu/articles/a-global-effort-to-counter-extremism-through-education/
