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[quote=Anonymous]This is really just a question of "what factors contribute to radicalization" and the literature shows that the factors are similar whether the radicalization is religious extremism, white supremacy, or gender-based violence.

From the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry:

https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Online_Radicalization-143.aspx#:~:text=Teen%20boys%20who%20spend%20large,through%20social%20media%20and%20forums.

Radicalization is based on the idea of “us” vs “them,” creating a sense of belonging to a specific group in contrast to outsiders. The “in group” is typically seen as right, righteous, and true, in direct contrast to the alien or deviant “out group.” Adolescents are at risk because they tend to question the status quo, experiment with points of view and identity, and place high value on social approval and relationships, including in online communities. Teen boys who spend large amounts of time socializing and discussing politics online are most vulnerable. Other risk factors include isolation, family separation, mental illness, bullying, and trauma.

Adolescents increasingly seek social connection through social media and forums. Online communities are often organized around shared beliefs, forming “echo chambers”, which are environments where a person only encounters opinions that are similar to their own. Social media algorithms often deliver progressively extreme content based on user interest. Relative anonymity afforded by the internet makes engagement seem less risky.

Recruiters for online radicalized groups have been known to preferentially target adolescents through video gaming and social media. They may start by using slurs or making radical statements during online gaming, forwarding links of propaganda videos or websites to those who respond. Such sites often initially appear harmless but feature hidden extremist rhetoric.

It is important for parents and caregivers to be able to identify youth and young adults who may be at risk for radicalization. Warning signs may include the following:

Social withdrawal
Increasing time spent socializing online
Development of new, strict, or radical beliefs
Use of “in-group” language, symbols, and images
Mental health issues including depression, suicidal thoughts, or substance use.

In order to prevent involvement with extremist groups, parents should:

Openly discuss social and political ideas with children and teens
Promote social contact with people of different backgrounds
Encourage regular in-person social connection with peers
Limit and monitor use of screen and social media
Discuss sources of bias, including racial and gender bias
Suggest movies, programs and stories featuring main characters of different backgrounds and groups
Maintain open conversations about online habits and experiences
Be familiar with the social media platforms your child uses[/quote]

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