Latest news with #FrontiersofPsychology
Hindustan Times
01-08-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Extremists using chat-and-play gaming platforms to recruit, radicalise: Study
New Delhi, Platforms that allow players to chat along with gaming, or gaming-adjacent platforms, present an opportunity for extremist groups to recruit and radicalise impressionable users, a study that interviewed gamers has found. Extremists using chat-and-play gaming platforms to recruit, radicalise: Study Gaming-adjacent platforms such as 'Steam', 'Discord' and 'Twitch' allow users to chat and live stream while playing. They are also known to be relatively less regulated. The study, published in the journal Frontiers of Psychology, said that Discord and Twitch are experiencing a steady increase in their user bases, which researchers said provides an opportunity for established extremist communities to radicalise and reach new audiences. "These gaming-adjacent platforms offer extremists direct access to large, often young and impressionable audiences. They have become a key tool for extremist recruitment," co-author William Allchorn, senior research fellow at Anglia Ruskin University, UK, said. The researchers said the platforms provide a "digital playground" for extremist activity, to which gamers are being deliberately "funnelled" from mainstream social media. Challenges in moderating exchanges on these platforms could be a fuelling factor, said the team, which interviewed platform moderators, tech industry experts and people involved in preventing and countering violent extremism. The findings also reveal that far-right extremism is the most common ideology shared on the gaming-adjacent platforms, which can involve promoting content related to neo-Nazism and anti-Semitism. Misogyny, racism, homophobia and conspiracy theories often accompany such content, the researchers said. "Using semi-structured interviews with 13 leading practitioners , academic and technology industry experts, and content moderation teams, the article finds that third-party policing communities are adopting increasingly sophisticated tactics to counter extremist content," they said. "However, these efforts are increasingly undermined by the networked and adaptive nature of extremism, as well as by insufficient enforcement mechanisms at the platform level," the team wrote. Hyper-masculine game types, including first-person shooter ones, are especially appealing to extremists, the authors said, highlighting that the unique nature of online gaming can bring together strangers with a common interest. Once an initial contact has been established on a gaming platform, further interactions then shift to the less regulated gaming-adjacent platforms where "funnelling" takes place, they added. The environment in the platforms enables extremists to socialise, share propaganda and subtly recruit, the team said. "Social media platforms have attracted most of the attention of lawmakers and regulators over the last decade, but these platforms have largely flown under the radar, while at the same time becoming digital playgrounds for extremists to exploit," Allchorn said. The co-author added that disseminating extremist content is not confined to one platform and that the team has identified a widespread lack of effective detection and reporting tools. "Strengthening moderation systems, both AI and human, is essential, as is updating platform policies to address content that is harmful but technically lawful," Allchorn said. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
News18
01-08-2025
- Politics
- News18
Extremists using chat-and-play gaming platforms to recruit, radicalise: Study
New Delhi, Aug 1 (PTI) Platforms that allow players to chat along with gaming, or gaming-adjacent platforms, present an opportunity for extremist groups to recruit and radicalise impressionable users, a study that interviewed gamers has found. Gaming-adjacent platforms such as 'Steam', 'Discord' and 'Twitch' allow users to chat and live stream while playing. They are also known to be relatively less regulated. The study, published in the journal Frontiers of Psychology, said that Discord and Twitch are experiencing a steady increase in their user bases, which researchers said provides an opportunity for established extremist communities to radicalise and reach new audiences. 'These gaming-adjacent platforms offer extremists direct access to large, often young and impressionable audiences. They have become a key tool for extremist recruitment," co-author William Allchorn, senior research fellow at Anglia Ruskin University, UK, said. The researchers said the platforms provide a 'digital playground" for extremist activity, to which gamers are being deliberately 'funnelled" from mainstream social media. Challenges in moderating exchanges on these platforms could be a fuelling factor, said the team, which interviewed platform moderators, tech industry experts and people involved in preventing and countering violent extremism. The findings also reveal that far-right extremism is the most common ideology shared on the gaming-adjacent platforms, which can involve promoting content related to neo-Nazism and anti-Semitism. Misogyny, racism, homophobia and conspiracy theories often accompany such content, the researchers said. 'Using semi-structured interviews with 13 leading practitioners (involved in preventing and countering violent extremism), academic and technology industry experts, and content moderation teams, the article finds that third-party policing communities are adopting increasingly sophisticated tactics to counter extremist content," they said. 'However, these efforts are increasingly undermined by the networked and adaptive nature of extremism, as well as by insufficient enforcement mechanisms at the platform level," the team wrote. Hyper-masculine game types, including first-person shooter ones, are especially appealing to extremists, the authors said, highlighting that the unique nature of online gaming can bring together strangers with a common interest. Once an initial contact has been established on a gaming platform, further interactions then shift to the less regulated gaming-adjacent platforms where 'funnelling" takes place, they added. The environment in the platforms enables extremists to socialise, share propaganda and subtly recruit, the team said. 'Social media platforms have attracted most of the attention of lawmakers and regulators over the last decade, but these platforms have largely flown under the radar, while at the same time becoming digital playgrounds for extremists to exploit," Allchorn said. The co-author added that disseminating extremist content is not confined to one platform and that the team has identified a widespread lack of effective detection and reporting tools. 'Strengthening moderation systems, both AI and human, is essential, as is updating platform policies to address content that is harmful but technically lawful," Allchorn said. PTI KRS KRS RUK RUK view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Free Malaysia Today
27-04-2025
- Health
- Free Malaysia Today
Song lyrics can be a lifeline in times of crisis
In times of crisis, music can be a precious source of solace. (Envato Elements pic) PARIS : In times of crisis, people often seek distractions or escapism. Some meditate, while others exercise or cook. But for many, it's music that becomes a refuge. And at the heart of this, it's not so much melodies that leave their mark, but lyrics. An Israeli study, published in the journal Frontiers of Psychology, reveals how song lyrics can play a decisive role in how we weather emotional storms. The research was conducted by Professors Renana Peres and Adi Levy of the Hebrew University Business School, in collaboration with Roni Granot of the Department of Musicology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Their analysis looked at over 2,800 'coping songs' chosen by people in 11 countries during Covid-19 lockdown. When asked about their experiences, they explained how certain lyrics echoed their emotions, sometimes better than their own words. When anguish took over, many turned to songs about loss. On the other hand, to soothe loneliness, songs celebrating human bonds and belonging took over. In times of crisis, music becomes a precious source of comfort. 'This research offers a new perspective on how people use music not just for entertainment, but as a meaningful tool for emotional self-regulation. 'Lyrics embedded in music often give voice to emotions that are difficult to express – grief, remembrance, and hope among them,' explained Roni Granot, quoted in an article featured on the Medical Xpress website. And contrary to all expectations, it's not the musical aspects such as tempo, tonality or harmony that most influence our feelings. It's really the lyrics that move people, that resonate with people, that accompany people through these difficult times. The right words at the right time can become a lifeline. This study is the first to empirically establish a link between lyrical content and emotional regulation strategies. For Professor Renana Peres, it's a lever for action. 'At a time when many are dealing with personal and collective trauma, understanding the emotional power of lyrics can help us better support mental health – both individually and as a society,' Peres said. More than ever, music is becoming a genuine source of mental health support. New approaches are emerging, such as new music therapy techniques, playlists designed to accompany people's moods, and digital tools designed to promote well-being. All these initiatives highlight the power of song lyrics in echoing people's emotions. Because in moments of fragility, it's often words, more than melodies, that keep people company.
