Inside the Radicalized Mind: The Neural Correlates of Right-Wing Radicalization

• In Event: Group-Based Reasoning, Prejudice, and Political Discrimination

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine the neurocognitive process of radicalization, specifically as it occurs within virtual online space, and how message content and production features have the potential to arouse empathy and generate radical-persuasive outcomes among right-wing extremists. To do this, I utilized content analysis to deconstruct the audiovisual materials of the three types of propaganda messaging techniques employed by violent extremists (i.e. Narratives, Charismatic Authority/Leader, and
Victim Portrayals). I then used electroencephalography (EEG) to identify the content that generated an empathetic response in the message receiver by recording individual neural responses to the audiovisual stimuli.
The findings of this experimental study demonstrate how empathy can be stimulated in order to facilitate the process of radicalization, thus increasing the potential for violent radical political behavior. This research has important security policy implications because if it is possible to identify the messaging content that is capable of arousing empathy and generating radical persuasive outcomes, then it is equally possible to develop effectual online counter-messaging strategies, capable of promoting radicalization deterrence and disengagement.

Author

• Tiffiany O. Howard, University of Nevada Las Vegas