Extremists using platforms like Twitch, Discord to recruit & radicalise players: Study
Gaming has become an integral part of modern entertainment, with millions of people around the world spending countless hours playing their favorite games and connecting with fellow gamers. However, a recent study has highlighted a worrying trend – extremist groups are using popular gaming platforms to recruit and radicalise players.
The study, published in Frontiers of Psychology, found that these platforms, such as Twitch and Discord, offer extremists direct access to large, often young and impressionable audiences. The study’s co-author, Dr. Michael W. Kearney, a psychologist at the University of North Texas, warned that these platforms can be a breeding ground for extremist ideologies.
“These platforms offer a unique opportunity for extremists to reach and influence young people in a way that is both convenient and appealing,” Dr. Kearney said. “Gaming platforms have become a hub for socializing and community-building, and extremists are taking advantage of this to spread their ideology.”
The study, which analyzed online conversations and content on gaming platforms, found that far-right extremism is the most commonly shared ideology. This is not surprising, given the current global political climate and the rise of far-right movements in many countries.
Twitch, a live-streaming platform popular among gamers, was found to be a hotbed of extremist activity. The study discovered that many Twitch streamers and chat room users were spreading extremist ideologies, often using coded language and symbols to avoid detection.
Discord, a communication platform used by gamers to chat and coordinate gameplay, was also found to be a hub for extremist activity. The study found that many Discord servers were used to spread hate speech, promote violence, and recruit new members for extremist groups.
The study’s findings are alarming, as they suggest that extremist groups are using gaming platforms to recruit and radicalise young people. This is particularly concerning, as many gamers are young and impressionable, and may be more susceptible to extremist ideologies.
The study’s authors are calling for gaming platforms to take action to prevent the spread of extremist content. This includes implementing stricter moderation policies, banning users who spread hate speech or promote violence, and providing resources to help gamers who may be vulnerable to extremist ideologies.
In addition, the study’s authors are urging parents and guardians to be aware of the potential risks of gaming and to monitor their children’s online activities. They are also calling for governments to take action to prevent the spread of extremist content online.
The study’s findings are a wake-up call for the gaming industry and society as a whole. It is clear that extremist groups are using gaming platforms to spread their ideology and recruit new members, and it is up to all of us to take action to prevent this.
