Online radicalisation and extremism

Extremism is the vocal or active opposition to shared values such as:

• democracy

• the rule of law

• mutual respect

• tolerance of other faiths and beliefs

Some online content may promote extreme ideologies.

Radicalisation is when an individual or group adopts extreme political, social, or religious views that can lead to terrorism.

The key distinction is:

• radicalisation is a process

• extremism is the outcome and reflected in a person’s beliefs

Extremist groups often use the internet, including social media and AI tools, to:

• reach large audiences

• target individuals who may be vulnerable to their messaging and grooming tactics

Terrorist propaganda often exploits the issues young people are struggling with, such as:

• identity

• faith

• belonging

Extremists use divisive narratives to create ‘in-group’ and ‘out-group’ identities, ‘us’ and ‘them’. Highly emotive language and imagery is often used to draw individuals in, with the:

• ‘in-group’ glorified and praised

• ‘out-group’ criticised and slandered

Behaviour changes that may indicate radicalisation in young people include:

• changing their friends

• changing their appearance

• secretive behaviour or reluctance to share whereabouts

• refusing to listen to alternative viewpoints

• becoming argumentative

• intolerance of those who are different from them

• interest in conspiracy theories

• sympathy for extremist groups or ideologies

• converting to a new religion

• accessing extremist content online