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 engaging in online gaming communities. However, a recent study has highlighted a disturbing trend – extremist groups are using popular gaming platforms like Twitch and Discord to recruit and radicalize gamers. The study, published in Frontiers of Psychology, sheds light on the alarming methods used by these groups to spread their ideology and manipulate vulnerable individuals.
The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Vienna, Austria, analyzed data from 150 online gaming forums and chat rooms on platforms like Twitch, Discord, and Steam. The findings are staggering – the researchers discovered that extremist groups are actively using these platforms to spread their ideology, recruit new members, and radicalize existing ones.
According to the study, far-right extremism is the most commonly shared ideology on these platforms. The researchers found that extremist groups are using gaming communities to spread hate speech, propaganda, and conspiracy theories. These groups are also targeting young and impressionable gamers, often using emotive appeals and personal stories to recruit new members.
The study’s co-author, Dr. Tobias Haeuser, warned that these platforms offer extremists direct access to large, often young and impressionable audiences. “These platforms are ideal for extremist groups to spread their ideology and recruit new members,” Dr. Haeuser said. “Extremist groups are taking advantage of the anonymity and freedom of online spaces to spread their message and recruit new members.”
The researchers analyzed data from various online gaming forums and chat rooms, including those focused on popular games like Fortnite, Minecraft, and Overwatch. They found that extremist groups are using these platforms to spread their ideology and recruit new members, often using language and imagery that is appealing to young gamers.
The study also found that extremist groups are using gaming communities to spread conspiracy theories and misinformation. For example, some groups are using online forums to spread false information about COVID-19, claiming that the pandemic is a hoax or that it is a government conspiracy.
The researchers warned that these tactics are highly effective in recruiting and radicalizing young gamers. “Extremist groups are using tactics that are designed to appeal to young people’s emotions and sense of belonging,” Dr. Haeuser said. “They are using language and imagery that is appealing to young people, and they are targeting them with personalized messages and appeals.”
The study’s findings highlight the need for online gaming platforms to take action against extremist content. The researchers are calling for platforms to develop more effective moderation policies and to work with law enforcement agencies to identify and remove extremist content.
In addition to the study’s findings, the researchers are also calling for parents and educators to be aware of the potential risks of online gaming. “Parents and educators need to be aware of the potential risks of online gaming and take steps to protect young people from extremist content,” Dr. Haeuser said. “Young people need to be taught critical thinking skills and media literacy to help them identify and resist extremist propaganda.”
The study’s findings are a wake-up call for the gaming industry and for policymakers. As the popularity of online gaming continues to grow, it is essential that we take action to protect young people from extremist content.
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