Extremists Exploit Online Platforms to Fuel Political Violence — NYU Report
Extremists Exploit Online Platforms to Fuel Political Violence — NYU Report
…………….
Extremist groups are increasingly using online platforms to recruit supporters and promote violence for political ends, according to a new report by New York University’s Stern Center for Business and Human Rights, The Guardian reported.
The research tracked social media activity for several months this year, particularly following the assassination of political commentator Charlie Kirk. It found that extremist organizations across ideological lines — including far-right, far-left, violent Islamist, and nihilistic groups — systematically exploit major acts of violence to attract followers, justify their beliefs, and call for retaliation.
According to the report, political violence in the United States has surged, with over 520 incidents of terrorism and targeted violence recorded in the first half of 2025 — a 40% rise from the same period in 2024. These acts spanned nearly every U.S. state, resulting in 96 deaths and 329 injuries.
Luke Barnes, senior research scientist at NYU Stern and co-author of the report, said the threat landscape has become “far more volatile,” marked by the emergence of “bespoke ideologies” that defy traditional political categories. He noted the rise of “nihilistic violent extremists,” a label used by the FBI for individuals who commit violence primarily for its shock value rather than political ideology.
The report describes how extremists use mainstream platforms such as X to distribute messages with broader appeal, then redirect users to private networks for radicalization and coordination. This process, the researchers said, creates a “feedback loop” of propaganda and violence.
The study urges social media companies to strengthen enforcement against threats and incitement, and calls on lawmakers to set clearer cooperation standards between platforms and law enforcement. It also recommends faster mechanisms for users to report violations.
