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Knowledge and skills (online)

Guidelines for recognising online radicalisation

Online radicalisation is a complex phenomenon: it often takes place quickly and subtly, without attracting notice. This makes it difficult to identify the process swiftly and take action. Although there are indicators, there is no checklist of behaviours that indicate someone is becoming radicalised, either online or in the physical world. An individual’s susceptibility to radicalisation depends on a combination of risk factors and protective factors, plus online and offline influences. The presence of a single indicator does not automatically mean someone has become radicalised. To ensure early intervention in a suspected radicalisation process, it is important to recognise possible signals and to create an atmosphere where people feel comfortable expressing concerns. Raising awareness of the issue is an important first step.

How does radicalisation manifest itself online?

  • Consumption of extremist and terrorist content. The cyber domain makes it easy to find this type of content anywhere in the world. What is more, there is also the amplifying effect of recommendation systems and the formation of echo chambers. As a result, extremist ideology and violence are easy to find and can quickly become normalised.
  • Sharing online extremist and terrorist content. Examples of this include photos and videos which embody a strong ‘us vs. them’ message, or which glorify terrorism.
  • The use of symbolism and names of terrorist attackers, or the glorification of certain leaders or historical periods. This can take the form of usernames, captions (text or emojis under a post), bios (text or emojis at the top of the profile), reactions to posts, backgrounds and profile pictures. If you are a local professional, you can request access to the symbol database.
  • Dog whistles. Emojis, humour and memes can be used as ‘dog whistles’, conveying a double meaning that is not obvious to the uninitiated. Often dog whistles fall within the scope of freedom of expression, unless they explicitly incite hatred, discrimination or violence. Nevertheless, within the context of radicalisation, extremism and terrorism they are problematic, because such forms of expression can serve to normalise hateful ideas.

What kinds of behaviours can point to online radicalisation?

  • Social isolation and increased online presence. If someone is having trouble functioning in the physical world, the cyber domain can be a source of strong social connections and a sense of recognition or status. Possible signs of online radicalisation include: withdrawing from the world, neglecting relationships with friends, family and colleagues, and spending an excessive amount of time online.
  • Expressing views, online and off It may become apparent that an individual is more openly using extremist language, both online and off. This can create tensions with others, leading to further isolation.

How to start a dialogue

Talking about online behaviour and the kinds of content people encounter online can help raise awareness of certain issues and build digital resilience.

There is no one right way to initiate such a dialogue. It is important to adopt an open, interested attitude in these situations. Some possible questions and topics of discussion:

  • What social media or gaming platforms are you active on?
  • What kinds of content do you encounter there? Do you ever share things yourself?
  • What do you think about this content? Do people ever share things that bother you?
  • How do you deal with online discussions, hate speech and people who don’t share your opinions?
  • Do you think you act differently online than in the physical world?
  • Do you have friends online? Who are these friends?
  • Do you game only with friends, or with strangers too?
  • How long do you spend online, and at what times of the day?
  • Why do you spend so much time online?
  • I’ve noticed that you seem to be isolating yourself more lately. Is that true, and if so, why is this?
  • I recently read that [...], and I was wondering if you had any thoughts about that. Do you encounter these kinds of things too?
  • What exactly did you mean by this post/meme/etc. that you recently shared? Or: I recently saw this thing you posted, and I was wondering how you were doing.

Are you inclined to report something to the authorities, but aren’t sure?

  • You can report your suspicions to the municipality.
  • You can report your concerns to the police, by contacting your local community police officer (wijkagent).
  • You can also contact the National Support Centre for Extremism (LSE) via their website or via the LSE chat function. The Centre is a place where professionals, people who are concerned about others and people who are concerned about their own thoughts can speak anonymously with trained staff who can provide information, advice or appropriate support.

Further resources

National Government Training Institute for the Prevention of Radicalisation (ROR)

The ROR has developed a workshop that gives local professionals more insight into online radicalisation. In addition, ROR has developed a serious game for teachers, and one of its storylines deals with this issue. For more information about what the ROR can offer, visit their website here.

Studies and publications

The growing influence of the online environment poses a concrete threat, such as the increasing number of young people who are active in online jihadist and right-wing terrorist circles. If you would like to learn more about what our approach to radicalisation, extremism and terrorism is doing about this, there are a number of publications on the subject.

NCTV

In line with the Enhanced Approach Online to extremist and terrorist content, the National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security (NCTV) is developing a policy-related approach for this type of content. This approach is based on four pillars: systematic dialogue with the internet sector, statutory instruments, guidelines for the local approach and prevention, and international efforts. In addition, various recent publications devote attention to the cyber domain.

Studies and publications

Read more

Questions?

If you have any questions or would like more information, please email pls@minjenv.nl.