Social Media and Domestic Radicalization

• NCJ Number: 308409
• Date Published: October 2022
• Agencies: BJA
• Publication Type: Issue Overview

Annotation

This podcast episode features a conversation between host Paul Haskins and social science analyst Aisha Javed Qureshi on the role of social media as a tool for spreading extremist beliefs and promoting violent extremism.

Abstract

In this Justice Today Podcast episode, host Paul Haskins talks with Social Science Analyst Aisha Qureshi of the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) about the role of social media in violent extremism in America. Qureshi manages the domestic radicalization and terrorism portfolio at NIJ, which includes a portfolio on the causes of radicalization and how radicalization can lead to terrorism. Her portfolio has also examined the de-radicalization process. The podcasters discuss the connection between the emergence of social media and of domestic radicalization and violent extremism, how social media is a potential tool for the spread of extremist beliefs and the promotion of violent extremism; the role of misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation (MDM) in igniting hatred and inflicting harm; and some of the main motivations for social media activity influencing domestic radicalization. They also examine how scientific research is helping law enforcement and other agencies understand and address this growing concern.