Internet is Radicalizing Us: Evidence Presentation

NB: We do not resell your papers. Upon ordering, we do an original paper exclusively for you.

NB: All your data is kept safe from the public.

Table of Contents

YouTube, the Great Radicalizer
Political Radicalization on the Internet
The Radical Online
Summary
Works Cited

YouTube, the Great Radicalizer

This is the article by Zeynep Tufekci. The primary idea of the article is that the Internet, YouTube, in particular, is radicalizing us by offering more extreme or incendiary content. The author conducted research and concluded that the website may be one of the most influential instruments of the century because the platform has around a billion users (Tufekci). It is necessary to mention that Tufekci argues that the website is not designed to radicalize the users intentionally. The reason for radicalization is the recommender algorithm YouTube uses to engage the viewers for the longest time possible (Tufekci). The author concludes that, since many people use the website as one of the primary sources of information, it is vital to realize that the situation has become dangerous and should be addressed.

The source may be considered reliable as the author is an expert in the field. She studies the Internet and has published a book on the Internet, social media, and their influence on people’s lives. Moreover, Tufekci is an associate professor at the School of Information and Library Science at the University of North Carolina, which may also show that her opinion is valuable.

This article helps me to address the focus question as it reveals that the Internet, indeed, is radicalizing us. I agree with Tufekci’s ideas and think that websites that we use to find information daily may affect our opinion by offering incendiary content. Most web pages feature advertisements, which means that their owners want users to spend as much time there as possible. To ensure individuals’ engagement, they have to make content more radical.

Political Radicalization on the Internet

This is the article by Holt et al. The authors discuss political radicalization on the Internet, which can motivate individuals to do extreme action. The primary aim of the article is to show what kind of content may influence individuals’ views and opinions. The main topics discussed in the study are the radicalization of opinion and action, as well as social movement theory and frame. The authors argue that individuals’ opinions and actions may be radicalized through social networks, instant messaging groups, and web forums (Holt et al. 108).

The primary cause of radicalization is that the Internet provides an opportunity for communication between people with diverse views, who are not afraid to share their opinions as they can remain anonymous. Also, as any person can upload any content on the Internet, they may use this opportunity to engage people in violent actions, for example, terrorism. The authors state that video games and YouTube videos can also be used to disseminate propaganda and incendiary content (110).

The source may be considered credible as it is a peer-reviewed journal. The authors study criminal justice and psychology, which suggests that their opinions on political radicalization are reliable. Moreover, the article features other studies on the topic which means that it corresponds with the findings of the existing literature in the field. Thus, the source can provide a valuable contribution to the presented research.

This article will help me to address the focus question as it presents the topic from a different perspective and discusses the political aspect of radicalization. My opinion on the authors’ views is that although their idea is supported by evidence, they present it as if the Internet can affect individuals only negatively. I agree that the Internet can radicalize us, but I think that online platforms may have a positive impact on our opinions too by offering us an opportunity to learn.

The Radical Online

This is the article by Daniel Koehler. The purpose of the study is to analyze the impact of the Internet on individual radicalization processes. The author studies radicalization from the perspective of violent ideologies. He conducted an interview with former German neo-Nazis to show the mechanisms through which the Internet can radicalize us. The findings of the interviews reveal that it is easier and cheaper for individuals to communicate online, which leads to individuals’ better integration into radical movements (Koehler 118). In addition, due to anonymity, people can act more radically online and gain confidence in their views.

Moreover, the Internet affects young people significantly as for them the analysis of online sources may be the first step into joining violent movements. At the same time, Koehler notes that some of the interviewees were skeptical about the radicalizing nature of the Internet (122). Some of them agree that it might be a significant source of information, but it does not have a crucial impact on individuals’ perspectives and actions.

The source can be considered reliable as it is published in a peer-reviewed journal dedicated to radicalization and radical movements. The author is the founding Director of the German Institute on Radicalization and De-Radicalization Studies (GIRDS) and has published several works on radicalization as well, which means that he is an expert on the topic. It means that Koehler’s study presents authoritative information and should be considered.

The source will help me to address the focus question as it provides a global perspective on the topic, considering the occurrence of radicalization in other countries. Moreover, it reveals the mechanisms that may motivate people to act or think more radically. I agree with the findings of the interview and believe that as a major platform for communication, the Internet may play a significant role in individuals’ radicalization.

Summary

The significant role of the Internet in modern society is unquestionable. People use it as a primary source of information in various fields from cooking to politics. Although the Internet contributes to our expertise and knowledge, it may have a negative impact on individuals too. It is vital to note that online sources utilize algorithms to attract our attention. Thus, they may make our views and opinions more radical.

The Internet is an important component of everyday life for all age groups. For many individuals, young people specifically, it has become a primary source for socialization, entertainment, and information. Sinkkonen et al. note that some people may become frustrated and angry when they do not have access to the Internet (123). It means that individuals start developing an addiction to online sources. Considering this data, it is evident that the Internet has a crucial effect on people’s views and perspectives. However, this impact is not always positive because the information retrieved online may radicalize us.

Several studies prove this point of view and address the problem from various perspectives. For example, the research by Tufekci shows that some online platforms, YouTube, in particular, use the algorithms that are designed to engage a viewer for the longest period. The most feasible way to attract a person’s attention is to offer incendiary content. This case shows that initially, we may not seek radical information but the Internet is designed to provide it to us to gain our interest.

The more serious example is the political radicalization of individuals, the evidence of which is supported by the studies by Koehler and Holt et al. The Internet is the platform where people can express their opinions freely due to the anonymity and support of other individuals. In the case of radical movements, it is easier for participants to discuss their views online due to anonymity. Moreover, individuals can organize large groups and forums where people can gain knowledge about illegal activities, dangerous substances, terrorism, and other radical issues.

Clearly, there are positive aspects of the Internet and its impact on people’s perspectives. For example, Arkorful and Abaidoo note that the Internet may be an effective method of education as it provides access to a large amount of information and discussion forums (34). It is vital for individuals to remember that some data can make a negative impact on their perspectives and filter the information they obtain.

The Internet can have both positive and negative impacts on our lives. However, it is evident that it may make our views and opinions more radical by offering incendiary content, anonymity, and platforms for discussion. I believe that it is vital to analyze the information we receive and reflect on its usefulness to avoid the adverse impact of online sources. This way, people can eliminate radicalization and only learn the significant and necessary information.

Works Cited

Arkorful, Valentina, and Nelly Abaidoo. “The Role of e-Learning, Advantages and Disadvantages of its Adoption in Higher Education.” International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning, vol. 12, no. 1, 2015, pp. 29-42.

Holt, Tom, et al. “Political Radicalization on the Internet: Extremist Content, Government Control, and the Power of Victim and Jihad Videos.” Dynamics of Asymmetric Conflict, vol. 8, no. 2, 2015, pp. 107-120.

Koehler, Daniel. “The Radical Online: Individual Radicalization Processes and the Role of the Internet.” Journal for Deradicalization, vol. 15, no. 1, 2014, pp. 116-134.

Sinkkonen, Hanna-Maija, et al. “Internet Use and Addiction Among Finnish Adolescents (15–19 Years).” Journal of Adolescence, vol. 32, no. 2, 2014, pp. 123-131.

Tufekci, Zeynep. “YouTube, the Great Radicalizer.” The New York Times, 2018. Web.

Click Here To Order Now!