GENDER BASED VIOLENT EXTREMISM IN THE AGE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Veronica Hambalko

Abstract

This paper aims to explore possible ways that mainstream social media and alternative media platforms function possibly as catalysators for gender based violent extremism. Based on analysis of already existing research and events, we argue that social media platforms such as Reddit and 4chan function as echo chambers where already radical-thinking individuals and ideologies are validated and encourage further extreme thoughts.We also argue that through trends on mainstream apps such as TikTok,isviolence against women made into a joke and entertainment, leading to a desensitization of the issue, making itharder to tackle.We conclude this paper by summing up thepoints anddiscussing the importance of more active policy targeting these online communities.

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