Extremists using platforms like Twitch, Discord to recruit & radicalise players: Study
The world of online gaming has become a breeding ground for extremism, with a recent study revealing that far-right extremist groups are using popular platforms like Twitch and Discord to recruit and radicalise young gamers. The study, published in the journal Frontiers of Psychology, highlights the alarming trend of extremist groups exploiting online gaming communities to spread their ideologies and attract new followers.
According to the study, extremist groups are using these platforms to target impressionable young gamers, often between the ages of 15 and 25, who are eager to engage with their favorite games and connect with like-minded individuals. These platforms, designed to facilitate real-time communication and social interaction, offer extremists a unique opportunity to reach a large and vulnerable audience.
“Twitch and Discord are platforms that allow for direct, unmediated interaction between users,” said Dr. Andrew Fox, a co-author of the study. “These platforms offer extremists direct access to large, often young and impressionable audiences.”
The study found that far-right extremism is the most commonly shared ideology on these platforms, with extremist groups using gaming communities to spread their beliefs and attract new followers. The researchers analyzed a sample of online gaming communities and found that a significant proportion of gamers engaged with extremist content, often without realizing it.
The study’s findings are alarming, given the potential consequences of extremist ideologies on young minds. Extremist groups often use manipulative tactics to recruit new members, including spreading misinformation, using emotional appeals, and creating a sense of belonging among like-minded individuals.
“In the gaming community, it’s not uncommon for players to be drawn to extremist ideologies due to a sense of shared identity or a desire for belonging,” said Dr. Fox. “Extremist groups exploit this desire for belonging, using online platforms to create a sense of community and to disseminate their ideology.”
The study’s authors are urging gaming companies and policymakers to take action to address this issue. They recommend implementing stricter moderation policies, increasing transparency about online interactions, and educating gamers about the risks of extremism.
Gaming companies, such as Twitch and Discord, have a responsibility to protect their users from extremist content. They can do this by implementing robust moderation policies, including automated filters and human moderators, to detect and remove extremist content.
Policymakers also have a role to play in addressing this issue. They can work with gaming companies to develop policies and regulations that promote online safety and prevent the spread of extremist ideologies.
In addition to these measures, parents and educators can play a crucial role in educating young gamers about the risks of extremism. They can teach children about critical thinking, online safety, and the importance of verifying information before sharing it online.
The study’s findings are a wake-up call for the gaming community and the wider public. It highlights the need for greater awareness and action to prevent the spread of extremist ideologies online. By working together, we can create a safer and more responsible online environment for gamers of all ages.
Source:
