Belmont University Research Symposium (BURS)
Social Media and Radicalization
Publication Date
2024
College
Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, College of
Department
Political Science, Department of
BURS Faculty Advisor
Nathan Griffith
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Abstract
Social media has opened up completely new avenues for communication. Individuals now engage in forums with people of varying ages, ethnicities, education levels and political leanings with the click of a button. Theoretically, social media provides an opportunity for individuals' views to be challenged and expanded. However, due to the way social media algorithms have evolved, individuals are directed to echo chambers and filter bubbles that only reinforce their views and insulate them from others. When this occurs, extreme political views have the opportunity to emerge and flourish. As people continue to be fed content that only supports their views, selective exposure to content aligned only with a particular belief system occurs. This makes social media the perfect breeding ground for radical political beliefs. I study how social media usage in America may contribute to radicalization. I explore other factors that may lead to radicalization as well. Thus, social media has the opportunity to become a new medium for communicating and spreading radicalized political beliefs.
Recommended Citation
Ceizyk, Elliana, "Social Media and Radicalization" (2024). Belmont University Research Symposium (BURS). 405.
https://repository.belmont.edu/burs/405
