PROTOCOL: What are the effects of different elements of media on radicalization outcomes? A systematic review

Abstract

Objectives In this systematic review and meta analysis we will collate and synthesize the evidence on media‐effects for radicalization, focusing on both cognitive and behavioral outcomes. The goal is to identify the relative magnitudes of the effects for different mediums, types of content, and elements of human‐media relationships. Methodology Random‐effects meta analysis will be used and the results will be rank‐ordered according to the size of the pooled estimates for the different factors. Meta‐regressions, moderator analysis, and sub‐group analyses will be used to investigate sources of heterogeneity. Implications The results of this review will provide a better understanding of the relative magnitude of the effects of media‐related factors. This information should help the development of more evidence‐based policies.

What are the effects of different elements of media on radicalization outcomes? A systematic review

“…It is also of note that whilst only small, there are statistically significant differences in the effects for both general media usage (for cognitive radicalization) and radical content consumption (for behavioral radicalization) between regions, with the effects for both factors being larger for European studies. Previous research has found that only a small number of risk factors for radicalization display regional heterogeneity (Wolfowicz, Hasisi, et al, 2021). Future research may find benefit in examining the issue from a cultural perspective, which may consider how different cultures relate to media usage more generally or use media differently.…”

“…This is the type of research that may serve to improve the effectiveness of online surveillance technologies and prevention efforts more generally. Unfortunately, to date, there are a very limited number of studies that have taken this approach (e.g., Scrivens et al, 2021; Wolfowicz, Hasisi, et al, 2021).…”

Getting evidence into use: The experience of the Campbell Collaboration

“…Most notable is our programme of reviews on countering violent extremism, brokered by the Co‐chair of our Crime & Justice Group, Peter Neyroud, and funded by the US Department of Homeland Security and Public Safety Canada. This programme has published four reviews to date—for example, Carthy et al (2020) and Mazerolle et al (2021)—with another nine ongoing—including Zych and Nasaescu (2021) and Wolfowicz et al (2021).…”