Systematic review of digital radicalisation

• Main Author: Chng, Lay San
• Other Authors: Sin Sei Ching, Joanna
• Format: Thesis-Master by Coursework
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2021
• Subjects: Library and information science::Libraries::Information sources
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/152778
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Digital radicalisation has been the main cause for the increasing number of radicalisation cases in Singapore in recent years. This systematic review aims to identify and consolidate the contributing factors of radicalisation, the possible signs displayed by radicalised individuals, the role internet plays in the radicalisation process and the possible measures to prevent radicalisation. The search was conducted over five databases to retrieve papers relating to digital radicalisation. A total of 638 records were retrieved by the last day of search on 29 May 2021. This review included papers that were available in English, which were full-text, peer-reviewed and published after September 2001. Papers that focused on data science and legislation were excluded from this study. After screening, 33 papers were found to address the five research questions in this study relating to the contributing factors towards radicalisation, profiles of individuals who are susceptible to radicalisation, roles of ICT in the radicalisation process, signs of individuals who are radicalised or undergoing radicalisation and possible measures to prevent radicalisation. Most of the study address Islamism (61%) while left-wing, right-wing and mixed forms were of lower incidence. Textual narrative synthesis of the papers showed that tragic life events, discrimination and dissatisfaction, social influence, status and fame, desire to live in a caliphate and sympathy towards oppressed Muslims are contributors towards radicalisation. Those who are radicalised would likely display signs such as social withdrawal, change in behaviour and linguistic style. The internet played a significant role in the radicalisation process as it provides a platform for seeking and exchanging information, communication and community support, as well as an echo chamber to reinforce and amplify extremism beliefs. There are two possible approaches to prevent digital radicalisation, reducing the supply of extremist content through legislation or intervention by internet companies and Internet Service Provider (ISP); and reducing demand through education and awareness programmes.