Deplatforming and adaptation: similarities between religious and ideological extremism

Outright deplatforming and suppression of religiously and ideologically motivated extremist users, groups, and content does not appear to effectively curb their influence or prevent the radicalization of new users. This article outlines the key similarities between the operational dynamics of religiously and ideologically motivated extremism on social media. The article argues that more nuanced and sophisticated tactics than deplatforming are necessary to counter these phenomena. These tactics might involve memetic counter-messaging in order to dilute stigmergic signals, encouraging centralization and the identification of participants, among others.