WHAT MOTIVATES THE RISE IN GEN EXTREMISM? Online ecosystems or social media platforms like Instagram, which thrive by trapping people with their algorithms which are specifically catered to each individual.
For example, when a young male teenager interacts with a misogynistic piece of media on such platforms, it is very likely that the algorithm will push similar content their way, and gen z, being young and impressionable, solidifies such ideologies in their minds.
MANOSPHERES OR "MEN ONLY SPACES" Online forums for promotion of far-right ideologies such as MAGA (Make America Great Again) and misogyny fuel the ideas which make the world a volatile space to live in.
They target young men and take advantage of their impressionable minds and make them think of themselves as the "superior" and "the gender that deserves to be appreciated"
MAGA communities also promote pro-life ideologies along with racism, and more conservative ideas.
MISTRUST TOWARDS GOVERNANCE SYSTEMS AND CENSORSHIP IN MEDIA: Many democratic countries like India (157th) lie behind several countries like Pakistan (153rd) in terms of press freedom, according to the RSF World Press Freedom index.
Nepal's traditional media and news outlets failed to cover the extent of corruption, devastation and many expressed that they seemed rather biased during such hard times.
TURNING TOWARDS SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS FOR "THE UNFILTERED TRUTH" I. Many Gen Z individuals turn to social media when traditional media appears biased, censored, or untrustworthy.
2. While social media can sometimes help uncover hidden truths, it can also manipulate users through politically extreme viewpoints and emotionally charged content.
3. Algorithms reinforce existing beliefs, making users more vulnerable to misinformation and online radicalization. The rise of generative AI has intensified the problem, as deepfakes and fake footage can now be created quickly to spread misinformation.
4. Some users move to encrypted platforms such as Telegram, where exposure to violent gore content and extremist memes can normalize harmful ideologies over time.
CONTRIBUTION OF MEMETIC CULTURE According to an official document released by NATO, it is clear that world leaders are aware of how memetic warfare can be used by anyone to their advantage and can cater to the youth easily. Producing and consuming such forms of media desensitizes many people and causes them psychological harm.
The document by NATO states-"Memetic warfare can be useful at the grand narrative level, at the battle level, or in a special circumstance. It can be offensive, defensive, or predictive. It can be deployed independently or in conjunction with cyber, hybrid, or conventional efforts.
The online battlefield of perception will only grow in importance in both warfare and diplomacy. Regardless of what we call it, NATO countries must continue to develop a body of knowledge around social-media Strategic Communications.
HOW TO MINIMISE EXTREMISM? Extremism and more importantly, violent forms of extremist ideologies which almost all terror groups have, can be dismantled by: 1-Educating the youth and teaching them to recognise such forms of violent extremism and more importantly, step away from it.
2-Dismantling state owned media or government systems which censor actual happenings or spread misinformation.
3-Removing encryption from sites that can be accessed by teenagers. They must require some sort of identification proof.
4-Teaching the youth the importance of feminism and how patriarchy harms everyone.