Disinformation Fuels Radicalization

Disinformation Fuels Radicalization

January 28, 2025: In an age dominated by digital platforms, disinformation has emerged as a potent weapon, sowing discord and fueling radicalization. In the framework of the SMIDGE Project the webinar titled “The Nexus Between Disinformation, Radicalization, and Violent Extremism” brought together experts to tackle the growing threats posed by disinformation and misinformation campaigns, particularly among middle-aged populations increasingly vulnerable to manipulation online. The event, organized under the hashtag #SmidgeWebinar, unpacked the intricate web of disinformation, radicalization pipelines, and extremist strategies, shedding light on how these forces undermine societal cohesion and incite violence.

A Vulnerable Demographic in the Digital Era

One focus of the discussion was on individuals aged 45–65—a demographic that has shifted to relying heavily on social media and online platforms for news but often lacks the media literacy to discern fact from fiction. Experts emphasized how disinformation exploits this group’s existing biases, reinforcing divisive narratives and creating an environment ripe for radicalization.

Radicalization in the Algorithm Age

Elena Broda highlighted two key pathways driving radicalization:

• The Rabbit Hole Effect: Algorithms funnel users into echo chambers, exposing them to progressively extreme content. However, Broda questioned whether mere exposure is enough to trigger radicalization.
• Normalization of Extremism: Repeated exposure to extremist ideas desensitizes audiences, allowing once-fringe ideologies to seep into mainstream discourse, often propelled by right-wing populist movements.

Weaponizing Misinformation

Tijana Cvjetićanin illustrated how misinformation is weaponized to build radicalizing narratives. Fabricated evidence and repeated falsehoods create hostile environments, often leading to real-world harm. From conspiracy-driven violence like Pizzagate to anti-vaccine movements, misinformation has devastating consequences. Cvjetićanin stressed the importance of strengthening trust, fostering media literacy, and building resilience to counter these trends.

The Balkans: A Hotspot for Extremism

Turning to the Western Balkans, Nermina Kuloglija-Zolj detailed the rapid rise of extremist groups destabilizing the region. She noted that the characteristics of these groups differ significantly from those in Western Europe, necessitating tailored, region-specific countermeasures.

Telegram: A Safe Haven for Extremist Narratives

Gentiana Paçarizi spotlighted Telegram’s role in spreading radical narratives, particularly pro-Russian and Serbian nationalist propaganda in Kosovo. The platform’s anonymity and lack of moderation make it a breeding ground for disinformation. Key tactics include:

• Amplifying anti-Western sentiment
• Pushing historical revisionism
• Mobilizing around perceived injustices

Paçarizi called for stronger regulations, targeted digital literacy initiatives, and greater regional cooperation to disrupt these networks.

The Road Ahead

Panelists proposed several solutions to combat the escalating risks of disinformation-fueled radicalization:

• Launching tailored media literacy campaigns for middle-aged audiences
• Investing in community-based resilience programs
• Strengthening policies to curb the spread of manipulative content

Experts also stressed the need for collaboration between governments, civil society, and tech platforms to address these challenges comprehensively.

As the webinar concluded, participants left with a clear message: combating disinformation and extremism requires a collective effort to build informed, resilient communities in the face of growing digital threats.

You can access the webinar recording here: SMIDGE Webinar - The Nexus Between Disinformation, Radicalization and Violent Extremism