We take a computational lens to the analysis of a far-right online forum, using network analysis and natural language processing to understand the development of a dangerous extremist community.
So far, this project provides evidence that extremist groups may start out ideologically centered, but that their growth may be understood as a process of social bonding. This challenges the notion that ideologies themselves need to be challenged in order to curb extremist movements, and further research must examine instead the disruption or redirection of social bonds formed as a result of these organizations.