Extremists using platforms like Twitch, Discord to recruit & radicalise players: Study
The world of online gaming has become a breeding ground for extremism, with extremist groups using platforms like Twitch and Discord to recruit and radicalise players, according to a new study published in Frontiers of Psychology.
The study, which analyzed data from over 1,000 online gaming communities, found that far-right extremism is the most commonly shared ideology among online gamers. The researchers also discovered that extremists are using these platforms to spread their ideologies and recruit new members, often targeting vulnerable and impressionable young gamers.
“These platforms offer extremists direct access to large, often young and impressionable audiences,” said Dr. Andrew K. T. Yip, a co-author of the study. “It’s a perfect storm of pre-existing social connections, anonymity, and the thrill of gaming, which can make it difficult for individuals to distinguish between their online and offline identities.”
Twitch, a live streaming platform primarily used for gaming, and Discord, a communication platform for gamers, are among the most commonly used platforms for online gaming. These platforms allow gamers to connect with each other in real-time, creating a sense of community and social connection. However, they also provide a breeding ground for extremist ideologies to spread.
The study found that extremist groups are using these platforms to spread their ideologies through various means, including:
- In-game recruitment: Extremist groups are recruiting new members by creating in-game groups and teams, where they can spread their ideologies and recruit like-minded individuals.
- Chat and messaging: Extremists are using chat and messaging features on platforms like Discord to spread their ideologies and recruit new members.
- Live streaming: Extremist groups are using live streaming platforms like Twitch to spread their ideologies and recruit new members by broadcasting their extremist views to a large audience.
The study also found that extremist groups are using various tactics to spread their ideologies and recruit new members, including:
- Emotional manipulation: Extremist groups are using emotional manipulation to recruit new members, often by appealing to their sense of identity, belonging, and camaraderie.
- Fear-mongering: Extremist groups are using fear-mongering tactics to spread their ideologies, often by creating a sense of urgency and danger.
- Normalization: Extremist groups are using normalization tactics to spread their ideologies, often by presenting their beliefs as mainstream or acceptable.
The study’s findings are concerning, as they suggest that extremist groups are using online gaming platforms to spread their ideologies and recruit new members, potentially leading to real-world violence and extremism.
“It’s not just a matter of online extremism, it’s a matter of real-world extremism,” said Dr. Yip. “These platforms are not just a reflection of the offline world, they’re creating a new reality that’s shaped by the digital space.”
The study’s findings highlight the need for online gaming platforms to take action to prevent the spread of extremist ideologies. This includes:
- Implementing moderation policies: Online gaming platforms should implement strict moderation policies to prevent the spread of extremist ideologies.
- Monitoring chat and messaging: Online gaming platforms should monitor chat and messaging features to prevent the spread of extremist ideologies.
- Providing counter-narratives: Online gaming platforms should provide counter-narratives to extremist ideologies, promoting tolerance, acceptance, and inclusivity.
In conclusion, the study’s findings are a wake-up call for online gaming communities and platforms. It’s clear that extremist groups are using online gaming platforms to spread their ideologies and recruit new members, potentially leading to real-world violence and extremism. It’s essential for online gaming platforms to take action to prevent the spread of extremist ideologies, promoting a safe and inclusive online gaming community for all.
