Informal Countermessaging: The Potential and Perils of Informal Online Countermessaging

Abstract

Online countermessaging-communication that seeks to disrupt the online content disseminated by extremist groups and individuals-is a core component of contemporary counterterrorism strategies. Countermessaging has been heavily criticized, not least on the grounds of effectiveness. Whereas current debates are focused on the role of government and large organizations in developing and disseminating countermessages, this article argues that such approaches overlook the informal production of countermessages. Recognizing the appetite for "natural world" content among those engaged in countermessaging, this article highlights some of the potential benefits of informal approaches to countermessaging. At the same time, the article also acknowledges the risks that may result from closer working between countermessaging organizations and informal actors.

Countering Violent Extremism Online: The Experiences of Informal Counter Messaging Actors

“…Analysis was thematic and in large part deductive. The framework for analysis was based on categories derived from the research questions which, in turn, were based on substantial theoretical work on the relevance of informal counter messaging to larger, more organized efforts (see discussion above, and Lee, ). However, semi‐structured interviews also allowed for interesting findings to emerge deductively, and for the frame work to be partially adapted in response to the data.…”

“…A previous theoretical analysis (Lee, ) has identified the potential risks stemming from cooperation between formal and informal counter messaging actors from the perspective of CVE; among them: Contrasting motivations for content production between formal and informal actors. Unknown attitudes toward collaboration with larger organizations among informal actors. Diverse approaches to content creation, including the use of humor, offence, and the ridicule of individuals and specific organizations that would be unpalatable for larger organizations. Informal messengers may be exposed to greater personal risk (online and offline) than those working for formal organizations. Closer working may see larger organizations effectively exploiting the willingness of informal actors to take risks with their online and offline safety.…”

“…A previous theoretical analysis (Lee, 2019) has identified the potential risks stemming from cooperation between formal and informal counter messaging actors from the perspective of CVE; among them:…”

“…Counter messages aim to disrupt the communicative activities of terrorist and extremist political and religious groups, either by undermining extremist messengers or messages, or by convincing audiences with alternative ideological messages. There has been no universal agreement on the balance between counter and alternative messages, the focus on specific messages or broader narratives, or the exact audiences targeted (Ferguson, ; Glazzard, ; Lee, ).…”

“…Produced by amateurs with no (or at least different) axes to grind, informally produced content has the potential to be more authentic and, it is often assumed, persuasive. This is largely down to the perceived greater credibility and authenticity of informal actors compared to those embedded in larger organisations with ties to the state (Lee, ). But little is known about informal counter messaging activists and their motivations, their experiences, and crucially their attitudes to professional counter‐messaging provision.…”