Radicalization, especially in the political sphere, has become an increasingly prominent phenomenon in contemporary society. This process, which transforms individuals into staunch and uncompromising defenders of certain ideals, knows no ideological boundaries: it affects people across the political spectrum, fostering hatred and rejection of opposing views. Radicalization is a pattern that manifests independently of specific beliefs. At its core, it involves the manipulation of deep-seated emotions and personal experiences, driven by social influences and digital tools.
Understanding why people become radicalized is key to unraveling the psychological, sociological, and contextual mechanisms that lead individuals to view the world in such a polarized way, often rejecting any differing position as a direct threat. By examining the factors that fuel radicalization—from the sense of belonging to a group to the power of echo chambers on social media—certain universal elements across ideologies come to light. This article explores the most common causes of radicalization, how these patterns operate, and how ideologies capture individuals through their emotions and personal traumas.
Incidentally, this article relates to a similar topic covered in a previous publication: “Trauma and Political Preferences”.
Radicalization as a psychological and emotional process
At its root, radicalization is a process that operates both in the individual psyche and in social dynamics. While there are multiple factors, one of the most powerful is the exploitation of deep emotions and personal traumas. Radical ideologies not only offer a set of beliefs, but also provide a structure that addresses people’s emotional vulnerabilities. This way, an ideology becomes a sort of refuge, a place where frustrations and desires are given direction.
Intense emotions and trauma resolution
A major driver of radicalization is the use of intense emotions like fear, anger, and resentment. These emotions forge a deep connection between the individual and the ideology. For instance, resentment toward a perceived privileged or powerful group may be directed by a radical ideology to justify hatred or, in some cases, violence.
Radical ideology becomes an “emotional lens” through which individuals filter their experiences. This explains why, during times of personal or social crisis, some people turn to these ideologies as an outlet for repressed emotions or unresolved traumas. According to clinical psychologist Fathali Moghaddam, an expert in radicalization psychology, many vulnerable individuals find that extremist beliefs help them organize their internal world, providing a sense of purpose or identity they previously lacked.
The need for belonging and group identity
A crucial factor in the radicalization process is the need to belong to a group. In a world often perceived as individualistic and fragmented, the promise of being part of something larger is irresistible to many. Radical ideology provides not only a set of beliefs but also a community of like-minded individuals, creating a group identity that offers security and protection.
This sense of belonging is strengthened by clearly defining the “others,” those seen as a threat to the group and its values. Within this “us versus them” framework, radical ideology provides meaning and order amid chaos, reinforcing hostility and the dehumanization of those with differing views. This phenomenon, widely studied in sociology and social psychology, is essential to constructing a “collective identity.” Once a person adopts this identity, their commitment to the group and its ideas intensifies, often at the cost of their individuality.
Echo chambers: amplifying extreme beliefs and attitudes
Social media and platform algorithms play a key role in the radicalization process by creating echo chambers where people only see opinions that align with their own. These echo chambers reinforce beliefs and biases by preventing exposure to opposing views, thereby reinforcing the perception that one’s own beliefs are correct and universal.
Social psychologist Zeynep Tufekci has highlighted how current algorithms on platforms like Facebook and Twitter tend to promote emotionally charged content because intense emotions increase user engagement. This strategy contributes to the visibility and normalization of extremist ideas, as individuals constantly consume content that not only reaffirms their beliefs but also increases hostility toward others.
Echo chambers act as multipliers of radicalism, eliminating any possibility of respectful exchange with differing viewpoints and creating an environment where one’s own ideas are constantly validated. This isolates the individual in a universe that falsely reinforces the infallibility of their ideology, deepening their commitment to the cause and their hostility toward any external group.
The power of ideologies to manipulate mind and emotions
Radical ideologies are not just systems of beliefs but also tools for emotional manipulation. This is evident in how they use specific psychological tactics to exacerbate traumas, resentments, and fears, binding individuals fervently to the ideology. Studies in psychology have found that people with unresolved emotional trauma are more susceptible to the lure of radical ideologies, as these offer a sense of control and belonging that helps mitigate their pain.
Emotional manipulation in radicalism operates on multiple levels: individuals are told that their painful experiences are the direct result of “the others,” those who don’t share their beliefs and are often portrayed as responsible for their problems. In this way, the ideology offers a means to project personal trauma outward, blaming defined enemies. This dynamic can be observed in ideologies across the political spectrum, where the “enemy” figure acts as a channel for discontent and a target for personal frustration.
Social and cultural factors that promote radicalization
In addition to emotional and psychological aspects, social and cultural factors can also foster radicalization. The fragmentation of modern society and the increasing isolation many people feel create fertile ground for radical ideologies to gain traction. The lack of connection and community in many sectors of the population drives people to seek a sense of belonging in ideological groups.
Sociologists like Manuel Castells argue that globalization and cultural shifts have created an identity crisis that radical ideologies exploit effectively. In a world where identities are diluted and traditional structures of belonging weaken, radical ideology emerges as an alternative for those seeking a clear and defined sense of belonging.
Understanding the radicalization process to build bridges
Political radicalization is a complex process that spans psychological, social, and cultural spheres. The combination of emotional traumas, the need for belonging, and the amplifying effect of echo chambers produces a polarization dynamic that is difficult to break. However, understanding these mechanisms can help mitigate radicalization in society.
To curb this phenomenon, it is essential to foster empathy and understanding among people with different beliefs, as well as to dismantle the barriers that perpetuate echo chambers. This involves promoting a society that values respectful dialogue and mutual understanding, preventing extremism from becoming the norm. Ultimately, deradicalization is only possible if individuals find other ways to express their emotions and resolve their internal conflicts without resorting to ideologies that promote hatred and division.
