Assessing the Presentation of Ideological Messaging in Extremist Web Forums

• In Event: Hate is in the Air: Defining, Identifying and Understanding Hate Speech and Radicalization Speech in Cyberspace

Abstract

Research on terrorism has increased dramatically since the 9/11 terror attacks in the United States, focusing on analyses of primary data sets collected from various media sources and official reports. There has been less focus on alternative data sources to understand the behavior of extremists, particularly in web forums and social media where individuals have the opportunity to present themselves in an unedited fashion and share information directly with others. This presentation attempts to address this gap in the literature by examining the overt expression of ideological beliefs by individuals who post in a sample of Far Right extremist group forums. Using content analysis strategies, we consider how many individuals use language or imagery suggestive of beliefs in xenophobic, anti-government, anti-tax, anti-gun control, survivalist, or conspiratorial ideas and directly implicate that they are part of an extremist or radical group. The relationship between ideological expression and posting habits are also considered to better understand radical expression in on-line environments. The implications of this study for future research and policy are discussed in detail.

Authors

• Joshua D. Freilich, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

• Thomas J. Holt, Michigan State University

• Steven M. Chermak, Michigan State University