Digital Wars: Are You the Latest Recruit?
People are more engrossed in the online world
than ever before, and while social media promises
to connect us, it is usually these platforms that
leave people feeling lonely and needing a sense
of belonging. Dr. Erin Saltman has identified this
loneliness as a major cause of the radicalization of
citizens towards extremism.
The pull factor is the feeling of belonging that these
extremist groups offer. Both in the digital world and
the real world, ideological groups provide a sense of
belonging and camaraderie. In this session, Dr. Saltman
explores how governments can create opportunities
for people to avoid this marginalization, and even
leave radical groups, through establishing better
communication channels.