SRL Talks

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Exploring the “Demand Side” of Online Radicalization-SRL Talks#1

SRL Talks #1: Exploring the Demand Side of Online Radicalization

The first event of the SRL Talks series was organized by the Swiss Security Research and Rule of Law Association on December 24, 2024. The event, titled “Exploring the Demand Side of Online Radicalization,” featured Dr. Davut Akça and Dr. Mehmet Fatih Baştuğ, who discussed the impact of social media and the internet on radicalization processes.

Key Topics Covered

The event focused on academic research findings aimed at understanding online radicalization processes. The speakers examined how individuals become radicalized through social media, the propaganda strategies of extremist groups, and recruitment methods in digital environments.

Some key findings presented include:

  • The role of social media in radicalization: According to the research, 64% of the examined individuals reported that social media played a significant role in their radicalization process.
  • Demographic analysis: Among the 51 individuals analyzed, 47 were male and 4 were female. A recent increase in female participation in extremist groups has been observed.
  • Average age of radicalization: The study found that the average age at which individuals began radicalization was 21 years old.
  • Foreign participation rate: 55% of the participants joined extremist groups in conflict zones, particularly in Syria.

Policy Recommendations and Solutions

The event also addressed potential solutions for combating online radicalization:

  • Removing extremist content: Governments and technology companies should collaborate to eliminate extremist content from social media platforms.
  • Developing counter-narratives: Promoting moderate and evidence-based perspectives to counter radical ideologies is essential.
  • Enhancing rehabilitation programs: Instead of solely punitive approaches, rehabilitation-focused programs should be implemented for individuals at risk of radicalization.
  • Utilizing artificial intelligence: AI-powered filtering systems should be employed to detect and remove extremist content effectively.

Conclusion and Future Perspectives

The event underscored the multifaceted role of social media in the radicalization process. It was highlighted that social media serves both as a trigger for initial radicalization and as a continuous tool for recruitment and propaganda. A balanced approach was emphasized, ensuring that security measures do not infringe upon freedom of expression.

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