Mapping Extremism: Ideological Structures and Online Offending in Hacker Communities

• In Event: Pathways to Cyber Deviance: Motivations, Behaviors, and Radicalization in Digital Spaces

Abstract

This project analyzes survey data collected from hackers, focusing on ideological structures and various forms of online offending. This research examines the beliefs and motivations that drive individuals toward extremist groups, exploring how different ideologies shape online criminal behavior. A key aspect of the study is identifying patterns of overlap between extremist group memberships, shedding light on how individuals engage with multiple radical movements. Additionally, it investigates factors that make individuals more susceptible to radicalization, including demographic influences, psychological traits, and socio-political contexts. By analyzing self-reported data, the project aims to understand the factors that contribute to extremist involvement, including shared ideological narratives and pathways into online offending. The findings have significant implications for policymakers, law enforcement, and researchers working to disrupt radicalization and prevent cyber-enabled extremism.

Author

• Katelyn Smith, University of South Florida