Examining the Technology Use Among Participants in Multiple Online Far-Right Communities

• In Event: Examining the Behaviors and Characteristics of Terrorists and Extremists On and Off-line

Abstract

There is substantive concern over the practices of far-right extremist groups, particularly with the rise of the Internet as a vehicle for organization, recruitment, and radicalization. Few have considered the extent to which participants in this movement understand the various technologies they depend on, nor the nature of their information sharing processes regarding technology use. This presentation will examine the patterns of technology use and dialogue of participants in multiple on-line forums used by extremist far right groups to quantify the most common products, software, and resources discussed by participants. The implications of this analysis for our understanding of technological proficiency or mastery in the far-right will be considered in depth.

Authors

• Tom Holt, Michigan State University

• Joshua D. Freilich, The Graduate Center, John Jay College / CUNY

• Steven M. Chermak, Michigan State University