Empathy as a Possible Protective Factor when Viewing Extreme Online Content

• In Event: EXTREME-Inventory: An Experimental Paradigm Exploring Behavioral & Psychological Processes Underpinning the Effect of Extreme Content Online

Abstract

Empathy is a well-known protective mechanism for a variety of deviant and offending behaviors, yet to extremism, the role of empathy is less clear. While some would view empathy as predicting avoidance from extremist groups, others have argued that empathy with a group that is perceived to be oppressed or victimized can is an early part of the radicalization process. This potential double-edged sword regarding the role of empathy in the radicalization process warrants further research, as does mapping and understanding of how empathy specifically interacts with one’s motivation and engagement with extremist material. As such, this research examines the relationship between individual differences and the exposure to extremist online content through examining the potential interactions between empathy and one’s core motivational systems: the Behavioral Activation, Behavioral Inhibition, and the Fight-Flight-Freeze system. This research provides empirical backing for how trait differences in empathy interact and safeguard against, or amplify, negative behavioral intentions following exposure to extremist content, providing important implications for online safety and resilience trainings.

Authors

• Catherine Stevens, University of Massachusetts Lowell

• Presley McGarry, University of Massachusetts Lowell

• Neil D. Shortland, University of Massachusetts Lowell