Signs of radicalisation- what to look for

Radicalisers can be very persuasive and have a dominating effect on young or vulnerable people who are feeling the pressure to fit in.

Is the person you’re worried about talking as if from someone else’s script? Do you think they are expressing their own views and beliefs? Are you worried they are becoming intolerant to anyone who is not sharing their views?

Some people react strongly to acts of extremism and terrorism, or to perceived injustices, whether in the UK or in other countries. Sometimes, this can lead to a powerful desire for change or ‘something to be done’ to address these concerns.

Radicalisers can exploit these feelings and offer an ‘answer’ to the problem or issue the person is angry or upset about.

They might believe that becoming involved in extremist groups offering a chance for violent action and not just ‘talk’ will help them achieve a solution.

Radicalisers are increasingly operating online to target and influence vulnerable people via online gaming and social media platforms. 

At first, they can use innocuous or typical looking pages or sites that are not extreme in any way. Then they will seek to invite the person into a ‘closed’ group where extremist views are expressed.  They do this to make the person feel special or part of a select group. 

Is the person you’re worried about reading, posting, watching or sharing hateful or extreme content and links? Are they secretive about which groups or people they are talking to online?  

Exposure to online propaganda can increase the desire for adventure for some people that involve potentially dangerous situations. This desire for risk taking can be exploited by radicalisers who are intent on recruiting susceptible people to participate in ‘exciting opportunities.’

Many people will experience a significant conflict or trauma at some point in their lives such as a bereavement or a relationship breakdown with a partner, friends or family. This could also be a major transition in life, such as moving to university, changing jobs or a job loss. If they’re already feeling alone, under threat or insecure, this can make them seek new solutions or comfort in unexpected places.

Most people find ways of navigating life’s challenges and will not find themselves drawn into extremism. However, some might turn to new ways of behaving and thinking that help them cope. Radicalisers are sensitive to the signals that people in this position may exhibit, and will seek to exploit their vulnerability.  Have you noticed someone is struggling with significant change?

Sometimes people experience issues concerning their identity or where they feel they fit in or belong. This can make them feel very distant from their friends, family and community and lead them to seek out new groups or people.

There is nothing concerning on its own about finding new interests or making new friends. But are they cutting themselves off completely from old friends or family?

Are they happy to share any details or information about any new friends or groups they are involved with?

The vast majority of people suffering from depression, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or other mental health issues or personality disorders are not drawn down the path of extremism.

However, for some people it can increase their vulnerability to influence by extremists who seek to capitalise on their mental health issues and exploit any instability.

For some people when life isn’t turning out like they thought or wanted it to be, they can look to blame things on other people, groups or events. They might feel a sense of injustice or grievance about their own situation or others.

Is the person you are worried about feeling angry and frustrated by the way they feel others may perceive them? Do they feel overlooked or rejected by society? Do they feel they are being left behind and blame other groups or communities for their situation?  Do they seem very critical or intolerant of other people or groups?

Have you tried to have a conversation with them but found they would not engage in any alternative views and seemed inflexible or rigid in their opinion?

For some people a feeling of inadequacy or lack of identity may lead to a desire for greater power and standing in their community. Is the person you’re worried about showing signs of a desire to command respect and control others? Are they talking about their unmet aspirations?