Extremists using platforms like Twitch, Discord to recruit & radicalise players: Study
The world of online gaming has become a breeding ground for extremist ideologies, with a recent study revealing that extremist groups are using popular platforms like Twitch and Discord to recruit and radicalise gamers. The study, published in Frontiers of Psychology, highlights the alarming trend of far-right extremism being shared and promoted on these platforms, raising concerns about the potential consequences of online radicalisation.
The study’s co-author, Dr. Andrew Fox, warned that these platforms offer extremists “direct access to large, often young and impressionable audiences.” Fox, a researcher at the University of California, Berkeley, emphasized that the ease of access and anonymity provided by these platforms can make it difficult to detect and combat extremist content.
The study analyzed data from online gaming communities and found that far-right extremism was the most commonly shared ideology. This is particularly concerning, given the growing popularity of online gaming among young people. According to a report by the Entertainment Software Association, 65% of frequent gamers in the United States are under the age of 35.
Twitch, a live-streaming platform primarily used for gaming, and Discord, a communication platform for gamers, have become hubs for extremist activity. These platforms allow users to interact with each other in real-time, creating an environment conducive to radicalisation. Extremist groups can use these platforms to spread their ideologies, share propaganda, and recruit new members.
The study’s findings are based on an analysis of over 1,000 online gaming communities and chat logs. The researchers identified a significant number of instances of extremist content, including hate speech, threats, and discriminatory language. The most common extremist ideologies promoted on these platforms were far-right extremism, white nationalism, and anti-Semitism.
The study’s authors note that the anonymity provided by online platforms makes it difficult to track and hold individuals accountable for their extremist activities. This lack of accountability can embolden extremists, who may feel comfortable spreading their ideologies without fear of retribution.
The consequences of online radicalisation can be severe. In the past, online extremist activity has been linked to real-world violence, including terrorist attacks and hate crimes. The spread of extremist ideologies can also contribute to a culture of hatred and intolerance, which can have long-term effects on individuals and society as a whole.
To combat the spread of extremist content on gaming platforms, the study’s authors recommend implementing stricter moderation policies and increasing transparency around online activity. They also suggest developing educational programs to raise awareness about the risks of online radicalisation and promoting critical thinking and media literacy skills among young people.
In recent years, there have been several instances of extremist activity on gaming platforms. In 2019, a prominent Twitch streamer was banned from the platform after promoting white supremacist ideologies. In 2020, a Discord server was shut down after it was discovered that members were sharing racist and anti-Semitic content.
The study’s findings serve as a stark reminder of the need for online gaming communities to be vigilant and proactive in combating extremist activity. By working together, we can create a safer and more inclusive online environment for gamers of all backgrounds.
