Public lecture 'Do People Get Radicalized on the Internet? Demystifying Online Radicalization'

Terrorist and extremist actors embrace the internet. The so-called Islamic State, an internationally designated terrorist organization, for example, has released a steady stream of video-recorded beheadings of Western hostages and other atrocity footage on social media platforms to rally support. Violent anti-fascist extremists used encrypted messenger services to instigate widespread violence against law enforcement during COVID-19 lockdowns. Many of the right-wing extremists who engaged in violence on January 6th at the US capitol also relied on online channels to mobilize involvement. 

Understandably, law enforcement and intelligence communities have become invested in examining individuals’ digital footprints to prevent or counter attacks. However, a common misconception presented in the mainstream media is that internet use is a substantial or even the sole force enabler of an individual’s radicalization towards violence. This public lecture demystifies this misconception. 

Drawing on empirical evidence from the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States, we will illustrate that violent radicalization is best conceived as a complex process that unfolds both on- and offline, simultaneously. We highlight as well that risk factors that pertain to offline experiences are often a stronger driver of radicalization than online activities. In addition, we conclude which online posting behaviors as well as language, which is expressed online, would indeed constitute credible threats.

The speakers
- Isabelle van der Vegt, Utrecht University 
- Ryan Scrivens, Michigan State University  
- Sandy Schumann, University College London  

When: Thursday 4 July 2024, from 18.30 until 19.30 hrs
Where: Rijksmuseum Boerhaave
Costs: free with a museum ticket / a student card / Museumcard

Register
You can register using the form on the website of Rijksmuseum Boerhaave. 

This public lecture is part of the workshop Methods of Studying Hate and (Violent) Extremism Online, 1 - 5 July 2024.