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Title: Morally Homogeneous Networks and Radicalism
Online radicalization is among the most vexing challenges the world faces today. Here, we demonstrate that homogeneity in moral concerns results in increased levels of radical intentions. In Study 1, we find that in Gab—a right-wing extremist network—the degree of moral convergence within a cluster predicts the number of hate-speech messages members post. In Study 2, we replicate this observation in another extremist network, Incels. In Studies 3 to 5 ( N = 1,431), we demonstrate that experimentally leading people to believe that others in their hypothetical or real group share their moral views increases their radical intentions as well as willingness to fight and die for the group. Our findings highlight the role of moral convergence in radicalization, emphasizing the need for diversity of moral worldviews within social networks.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1846531
PAR ID:
10322249
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ; ; ; ;
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Social Psychological and Personality Science
ISSN:
1948-5506
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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