The threat of lone-wolves

Ibrahim Negm
Tuesday 21 Jan 2025

Governments, tech companies, and religious institutions should work together to curb the risks posed by unchecked online extremism, writes Ibrahim Negm

 

In an era in which global connectivity is heralded as a triumph of modern civilisation, social media platforms have inadvertently become breeding grounds for one of the most alarming trends of our time: ideologically inspired lone-wolf attacks.

From Christchurch in New Zealand to Buffalo in the US and from New Orleans to London, the digital corridors of social media are serving as echo chambers for radical ideologies, exacerbating societal divisions and empowering individuals to commit unspeakable acts of violence in isolation.

This destructive trend is a wake-up call for governments, tech companies, and religious institutions alike to curb the fatal risks posed by unchecked online extremism.

Unlike the organised terrorist cells of the past, lone wolves operate independently, often radicalised by consuming propaganda from the dark alleys of social media. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and even fringe networks such as Gab and Telegram, have become hubs where extremist ideologies, be they white supremacism, Islamist extremism, or other radical doctrines, can spread unfiltered.

Algorithms designed to maximise engagement can push users down rabbit holes of increasingly radical content. A young individual searching for videos on religion, nationalism, or history might quickly find himself targeted by manipulative propaganda that glorifies violence as a form of self-expression or ideological purity.

This toxic digital environment creates what experts term a “virtual indoctrination space,” where vulnerable individuals are groomed into taking extreme actions without ever having direct human contact with recruiters.

The Christchurch Mosque shooter in New Zealand live-streamed his act of terror in 2019, for example, attempting to turn his massacre into a grotesque online spectacle. Similarly, the Buffalo supermarket shooter in 2022 published a manifesto online, inspired by materials he had accessed on extremist forums.

In both cases, social media did not just serve as a tool for communication but also as a mechanism for radicalisation, planning, and the amplification of the attack’s psychological impact.

These attackers exemplify a dangerous new reality: individuals are no longer bound by physical networks or formal training camps to carry out ideologically inspired violence. Instead, they are emboldened by online communities that can act to normalise their beliefs and provide a sense of distorted purpose.

 

CURBING THE THREAT: The fight against social media-fuelled extremism requires a holistic strategy that involves tech companies, governments, civil society, and religious institutions working in concert.

Here are some key recommendations.

First, there needs to be algorithm accountability. Social media platforms must be held accountable for their role in amplifying harmful content. Governments should mandate transparency about how algorithms work and require platforms to tweak these systems to demote extremist content. Initiatives like the European Union’s Digital Services Act offer a blueprint for regulating algorithmic amplification.

Second, there should be content moderation and deplatforming. Robust content-moderation systems are essential to identify and remove extremist content before it spreads. Platforms should invest in AI tools for detecting radical material while ensuring that human moderators understand cultural nuances to avoid unjust targeting.

Third, there should be digital literacy campaigns. Equipping individuals with the skills to identify and resist online manipulation is crucial. Governments and NGOs should run educational campaigns to help citizens, especially youth, critically evaluate the content they encounter online.

Fourth, there needs to be international collaboration. Extremism knows no borders, and combating it requires cross-border cooperation. Governments must share intelligence on extremist online networks, and platforms must standardise reporting mechanisms for users worldwide.

Fifth, there needs to be an empowering of religious institutions. Religious organisations are uniquely positioned to counter ideologically driven narratives. By presenting credible, authentic interpretations of faith, they can dismantle the theological underpinnings of radical ideologies.

 

EGYPT’S DAR AL-IFTAA: At Egypt’s Dar Al-Iftaa, we have been at the forefront of addressing the ideological roots of extremism and curbing its digital proliferation. Recognising the transformative power of the Internet, our institution has developed a robust strategy to counter extremist narratives online, focusing on the following initiatives.

The Digital Fatwa Centre: Our dedicated team monitors extremist rhetoric on social media platforms, issuing counter-narratives that debunk the misuse of religious texts. By addressing theological distortions directly, we aim to undermine the ideological foundations of radicalisation.

The Salam Centre for Extremism Studies: The Salam Centre conducts in-depth research on extremist ideologies and their online manifestations, providing scholarly insights into the psychological and theological tactics used to recruit lone wolves.

Engaging young people through social media: Understanding that young people are often the most susceptible to online manipulation, we have created tailored content that uses relatable language, visuals, and multimedia formats to promote moderation and critical thinking.

Interfaith and intercultural dialogue: Dar Al-Iftaa works to foster understanding between different communities by promoting messages of coexistence and rejecting the “us vs them” dichotomy that extremists often exploit.

Training programmes for religious leaders: We empower imams and religious scholars with digital literacy skills, enabling them to engage effectively on online platforms and counter extremist content in real time.

The rise of lone-wolf attacks driven by social media is not a problem that can be solved in isolation. It demands a global response, one that balances the preservation of free speech with the urgent need to prevent platforms from becoming tools of violence. As an institution deeply committed to peace and coexistence, Egypt’s Dar Al-Iftaa calls on tech companies, governments, and religious bodies to collaborate in creating a safer digital space.

Social media has the potential to be a force for good, fostering dialogue and understanding across divides. But unchecked, it can also destroy lives and destabilise societies. The choice is ours to make, and the time to act is now.

 

The writer is a senior adviser to the Grand Mufti of Egypt.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 23 January, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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