Online Communities and Offline Violence

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract/Description

Since the advent of the Internet, extremists across the ideological spectrum have exploited its resources to recruit, connect, and spread their ideology among the likeminded. This panel focuses on diverse methodological approaches to examining extremists' use of online platforms ranging from mainstream social media sites to fringe extremist platforms, with an emphasis on the interactions between online extremist discourse and offline violence. The first paper examines online anti-Semitic discourse on Reddit and TikTok from far-right and far-left extremists. The second paper explores online-offline dynamics of backlash against Black Americans that emerged after the death of George Floyd by applying sentiment analysis techniques to Tweets using #blacklivesmatter or #whitelivesmatter. The third paper draws from Parler data to examine techniques of neutralization applied by users to a number of offline “trigger” events. The final paper examines the intersection of escapism, biblical patriarchy, and male supremacy among women using novel survey data in the United States.

Sub Unit

• Area III. Types of Offending / 20. State Crime, Political Crime, and Terrorism

Individual Presentations

• Towards a Horseshoe of Extremism: A Digital Content Analysis of Shared Rhetoric Between Left- and Right-Wing Extremists - Kaitlyn Davisio, American University; William Arnold, American University

• Granting Permission to Hate? Examining the Application of Techniques of Neutralization in Online Forums Following Instances of Political Violence - Michael H. Becker, American University; Tiana Gaudette, Michigan State University

• Blessed and Pinkpilled: Exploring the Intersection of Escapism, Biblical Patriarchy, and Male Supremacy - JJ West, American University

• The Online-Offline Dynamics of Black Backlash and White Emboldenment: #blacklivesmatter, #whitelivesmatter and White Supremacist Activity. - Laura Dugan, The Ohio State University; Jack Wippell, The Ohio State University

Chair

• Laura Dugan, The Ohio State University

Organized by a Division or external group?

American Society of Criminology Division on Terrorism and Bias Crimes