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The present study analyzed the differences in the language usage between pro-ISIS users and random users on Twitter. Based on the literature, it was expected that, when comparing the tweets from both samples, distinctive patterns would be found on their usage of similar linguistic categories. This observational study compared a dataset of 105 pro-ISIS users with 91 random Twitter users, both collected between 2015 and 2016. The Linguistic Inquiry Word Count (LIWC) software was employed to analyze the terminology used by both groups from a quantitative perspective. Relevant LIWC categories used in previous studies were included in the assessment. ISIS supporters used significantly more third person plural pronouns and less first person singular and second person pronouns. They also used more words related with death, certainty, and anger than the random group, along with more words containing six letters or more. Finally, more negative language and tone was used by the pro-ISIS group. The language used by ISIS supporters on Twitter was discussed, as well as comparisons to relevant studies on other political extremists. Ultimately, our results suggest that broad similarities in language usage exist between ISIS supporters and other extreme ideologies.

The alt-right is a far-right movement that has uniquely developed on social media, before becoming prominent in the 2016 United States presidential elections. However, very little research exists about their discourse and organization online. This study aimed to analyze how a sample of alt-right supporters organized themselves in the week before and after the 2018 midterm elections in the US, along with which topics they most frequently discussed. Using community finding and topic extraction algorithms, results indicated that the sample commonly used racist language and antiimmigration themes, criticised mainstream media and advocated for alternative media sources, whilst also engaging in discussion of current news stories. A subsection of alt-right supporters were found to focus heavily on white supremacist themes. Furthermore, small groups of alt-right supporters discussed anime, technology and religion. These results supported previous results from studies investigating the discourse of alt-right supporters.

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