The Interaction of Extremist Propaganda and Anger as Predictors of Violent Responses

Abstract

In this study, and with a view to extending upon existing findings on the effects of general violent media on violent cognitions, we experimentally measured the relationship between exposure to extremist propaganda and violent cognitions. Our results countered our hypotheses and the wider findings of violent media and aggression that exposure to violent stimuli increases violent thoughts and that this effect is moderated by trait aggression. Specifically, this study found that participants with low and medium trait aggression became more pro-social after being exposed to extremist propaganda. We discuss these results with reference to theories of terror management and mortality salience, as well as the implications of these results for wider theories of the role of online extremist material in the wider "radicalization" process.

Individual differences in political aggression: The role of social integration, perceived grievances and low self-control

“…The interactional processes that are ongoing when the supply side and the demand side meet deserve further enquiries. More recent studies have demonstrated some evidence for a differential susceptibility hypothesis, that is, the idea that mere exposure to extremist content does not raise the odds of committing political violence (Pauwels and Hardyns, 2018; Shortland et al, 2017). Further studies should pay more attention to the selection effect: who views online extremism and who is merely exposed (Costello et al, 2016).…”

The personality and propaganda puzzle: Exploring the effect of personality on exposure to extremist content online.

“…Secondly, while activism and radicalism intentions decreased in both groups, the fact that the framing of the material significantly impacted their propensity to express willingness to mobilize in support of an extremist group implies two potential cognitive processes. The first, similar to Shortland et al (2017), is that the violent extremist content lowered intentions for mobilization through activation of feelings of fear and uncertainty. The second is that there is either a greater decrease in intention to support an extremist group, or there is a self-censoring of responses to not openly express support for a known violent extremist group.…”

“…With reference to the effect of violent extremist content online, we can similarly adopt an interactionalist perspective, as early work on the effect of exposure to violent extremist content online has shown that while exposure to extremist content can increase levels of aggression, personality plays an important role in the relationship (Shortland et al, 2020). For example, Shortland et al (2017) found that contrary to their predictions, exposure to violent extremist content actually decreased levels of exhibited aggression. Additionally, and to a degree supporting the Genral Aggression Model (GAM), those who had high levels of trait aggression were unaffected by the (apparent pro-social) effect of exposure to violent extremist propaganda.…”

“…While anecdotal evidence and some empirical research indicate that exposure to such content stimulates, or facilitates the radicalization process (Frissen, 2021), experimental tests of this remain limited (Gill et al, 2017; Shortland et al, 2017). One avenue to explore this process is to leverage insight from similar stimulus-response debates within the wider field of psychology.…”

Is Extreme in the Eye of the Beholder? An Experimental Assessment of Extremist Cognitions

“…Given that extremist violence is viewed as both pro-social (i.e., "altruistic violence"; see Pedahzur, Perliger & Weinberg, 2003) and anti-social, we consider on the role of trait-level empathy, aggression, and hostility (measures also used in previous research, see Shortland et al, 2017).…”