5th ISA Forum of Sociology (6-11 July 2025)

In the digital age, the efficient method by which any ideology, the extremist one included, can be spread constitutes the main driver for the rise of the movement online. This session investigates how such movements leverage digital media to propagate their messages as well as their societal consequences. Using a mixed-methods perspective, researchers conduct content, network, and sentiment analyses on a variety of websites, social media platforms, and forums. we can see how algorithms, echo chambers, and the anonymity provided by online spaces are tools that extremist groups expertly wield to further spread their message and influence people. These have deep psycho-social and political implications at the level of individuals and community that can and do spill offline into the realm of violence and tug at social fabrics. Case studies describe how online extremism feeds into real-world scenarios. The theoretical implications in relation to existing theories on extremism and digital communication and practical recommendations for policy, law enforcement, and social media companies are discussed in the study. Meanwhile, policy proposals centre around balancing the necessity to counter online extremism, whilst upholding civil liberties - and platform policies address the need to identify and mitigate extremist content. In addition to policing efforts, counter-extremism strategies are recommended to be led by community engagement initiatives that can teach and mobilize individuals to become resilient in the face of extremist ideologies. They conclude by suggesting future directions for research to tackle the growing problem of online extremism.