Investigating the Relationship between the Dark Web, Social Media and Online Radicalisation.
- shaunyates2
- Jul 31
- 1 min read
By Evelina Pabricaite,
London Metropolitan University.
The internet plays a key role in radicalisation by connecting like-minded individuals, spreading extremist ideologies, and enabling online recruitment and incitement to real-world violence. This dissertation critically examines the shift of radicalisation from physical to digital spaces, emphasising importance of the social media, the dark web, and algorithmic amplification of extremist content. It explores the psychological models, sociological factors, emotional and behavioural patterns, that make individuals vulnerable in online environments. The study also evaluates UK de-radicalisation initiatives, particularly Prevent and Channel, noting their strengths in early intervention but highlighting their limitations in addressing the complex nature of online radicalisation.
Online radicalisation is identified as a multifaceted problem shaped by psychological, social, and political factors, as well as the decentralised and obscure structure of digital platforms. These dynamics complicate regulation and the detection of extremist content, particularly on platforms valuing anonymity or operating outside traditional oversight.
This literature-based study highlights the interplay between online and offline radicalisation, the challenges of current counter-extremism strategies, and the urgent need for more nuanced, interdisciplinary approaches to prevention and intervention.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16654211