The Pathways to Online Radicalization: Exposure, Association, and Participation

• In Event: Radicalization and Violent Extremism

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the pathways that lead individuals to participation in online hate. Funded by the National Institute of Justice, data for this study was collected through online surveys (n=1.036) that address the various aspects of individual characteristics, online behaviors, and personal attitudes and beliefs. Model 1 examines who views materials (exposure) maligning groups based on race, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, political views, immigration status, and religion. We found most exposure was related to negatively framed race/ethnic content. While African-Americans and foreign-born respondents were less likely to be exposed, those with anti-government views were more likely to report exposure. Model 2 multivariate results find respondents deliberately navigating to hate sites (association) spent more time online, use Facebook, were exposed previously to hate online, and distrust government. Individuals using photo-sharing sites and Hispanics are less likely to deliberately navigate to hate sites. Model 3 examined a subsection of those deliberately navigating to hate sites (n=329) which actively participated in hateful activity. Persons who distrust government and are of Hispanic origin are more likely to participate in hateful activity, while those who are close with family and friends are less likely to engage in such behavior.

Authors

• Thomas N. Ratliff, Arkansas State University

• Matthew Costello, Arkansas State University

• Anna Tan, University of California, Irvine

• James Hawdon, Virginia Tech