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How do terrorists radicalize followers online?

  1. UNO
  2. National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center (NCITE)
  3. Our Research
  4. How do terrorists radicalize followers online?

Radicalization and Ideological Influence Online

So What?

Terrorist groups are increasingly using online platforms to recruit members, mobilize communication around contentious issues, increase commitment to extremism, and incite violence. With this in mind, it’s important that national security professionals understand the messaging strategies of these groups so that they can combat them.

Project Summary

This project explores online messaging strategies and how they may be used to either promote or counter extremist rhetoric. The research team is examining messaging strategies on publicly accessible microblog platforms to understand how terrorist groups and malign actors build an audience among “neutral” observers.

Purpose/Objectives

This project seeks to provide the Department of Homeland Security with insights about the processes terrorist groups use to recruit members, increase commitment to extremism, and incite violence. The project will identify how messaging strategies enhance commitment to terrorism, extremism, and violence, what types of messages precipitate violence, and what messaging can counter extremist rhetoric.

Method

  1. Natural language processing of online posts before and after violent events in the U.S.
  2. Controlled laboratory experiments

Outputs and Impact

  • Academic reports
  • Public research briefs
  • Technical reports for NCITE and DHS stakeholders
  • Presentations to DHS stakeholders, the media and the public

Matthew Jensen, Ph.D.

  • University of Oklahoma
  • Associate Professor
  • Department of Management Information Systems
  • Expertise: Computer-aided decision making, knowledge management, human-computer interaction, and computer-mediated communication

Shane Connelly, Ph.D.

  • University of Oklahoma
  • Professor
  • Center for Applied Social Research
  • Expertise: Online behavior of ideological group leaders and members, technology uses

Hairong Song, Ph.D.

  • University of Oklahoma
  • Associate Professor
  • Department of Psychology
  • Expertise: Quantitative methods, substance use and mental health outcomes among children, adolescents, and young adults


Publications

  • Messaging Matters: Ideological Influence Online - Year 3 Final Report
  • Year 2 Final Report: Project Performance Reporting

Contact Us

  • University of Nebraska Omaha
  • NCITE

  • Media Inquiries—Erin Grace: egrace@unomaha.edu

  • Grant Inquiries: nciterfp@unomaha.edu

  • General Inquiries: ncite@unomaha.edu

  • Meet Our Team

National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center (NCITE)

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  • 6001 Dodge St.
  • Omaha, NE
  • ncite@unomaha.edu
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