Examining Religious Extremism Online (Summary)

Aly, A. (2012). An audience-focused approach to examining religious extremism online. Australian Journal of Communication, 39(1), 1-8.

A brief Summary of the content: The article analyzed the role played by the internet in enhancing religious extremism and progression of radicalization among the recipients of religious information available on the internet. The study has focused on the recipients of the religious content in Australia as the centre point, identifying the role media audience play in the changes occurring in terms of individual radicalization and religious extremism. The paper has used a
two-step communication model to highlight the way cyberspace becomes a platform for spreading extremist information. At the same time, the Uses and Gratifications perspective enlightens the reader how individuals seeking religious information to help them shape their religious identity actively participate in the process of information research and become exposed to the extremist ideas on the internet.

Quotation: “The role of the Internet in what is often referred to as ‘online radicalization’ lies in its ability to present alternative realities and truths that invite people to be part of a social network where the boundaries of belonging are set by violent extremists” (Aly, 2012).

Personal reflection: This study has adopted a different perspective for discussing the role of the internet the spread of extremism. Instead of using the common means of viewing the information providers as a critical factor in increasing religious extremism, the authors have based the argument on Uses and Gratifications perspective. The study has helped me in viewing the phenomenon from the perspective of the audience rather than the sender of information in the context of cyberspace

Short evaluation of the source: The article has appeared in a peer-reviewed journal, thus it has the high level of credibility.