SOCIAL media and other online platforms play an undeniable role in fostering radicalization and violent extremism. Online platforms are considered to be a major cause of radicalization and adoption of extremist ideologies that revolve around grievances and injustices at different levels—ranging from individual to state to international level—and the use of violence to help change the situation. It is also a fact that social media can be used to prevent violent extremism in multiple ways, such as to propagate the message of unity instead of division, peace instead of violence, compassion instead of hatred and cooperation instead of conflict, etc.
Modernity has culminated in a globalized world—it is more connected and interdependent now than it was any time in history. The internet has played a key role in bringing people together. Everyone has now easy access to online platforms, especially social media, and can get connected with whomever they want to. Mobile has become a key component of human life, as life without it seems incomplete. Mobiles and social media have become the necessary conditions for life in the modern world. Modernity has rendered the traditional understanding of time and space obsolete, with people now living in distanciation—time and space separation—using Anthony Giddens’ phrase. People are now “disembedded”: they have been “lifted out” of their local contexts and restructured into a vast span of time and space. So, the internet has transformed the world into a global village.
However, there is another dimension to the use of the internet and social media: spreading violent extremism (VE, henceforth). VE is almost evenly spread across the globe, i.e., from Islamism to Hindutva to the far-right White Christian supremacists in the West. It is a bitter truth that VE has reached a gargantuan proportion in South Asia—especially in India and Pakistan. Violent extremism in Pakistan is about the top-down imposition of the puritanical version of Islam, and in India, it has taken the shape of Hindutva ideology, promoted by the fascist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This marks a significant deviation from the path envisioned by the founding founders of both states: They wanted to create secular, democratic states for their respective peoples.
In this age of social media, propaganda machinery, and global networks of terrorist and extremist organizations, the challenges we face—especially in Pakistan—are undeniable. The country has long been entangled in terrorism and violent extremism, which have deeply eroded the social fabric, leaving little space for peace and stability. While social media usage is widespread, few critically evaluate the nature of content circulating on various platforms. Extremist groups have weaponized these platforms, creating online communities to propagate their radical and intolerant ideologies, advancing their agendas through fear, intimidation, and violence. Effective communication, however, can play a pivotal role in countering violent extremism by promoting positive community behaviors, fostering inclusivity, avoiding extremist rhetoric, and focusing on shared values and common goals. Promoting education at the grassroots level is a crucial solution to the challenges posed by violent extremism. Education stands as one of the most powerful tools for raising awareness and driving societal change. By offering quality education that meets the demands of the 21st century, children are encouraged to think critically, explore ideas, and engage in rational thought, rather than being shaped by discriminatory or bigoted views of other ideologies and belief systems.
The state must actively monitor social media, regulate content, and strengthen NACTA’s role in countering extremist narratives through education and strategic policies. In today’s digital age, youth are particularly vulnerable to radicalization due to social exclusion, poor communication with parents, identity crises, unemployment, and exposure to biased content. Parents play a crucial role in identifying early signs of extremism and must act to guide children away from harmful ideologies. However, the state alone cannot address this issue; society must promote tolerance, peace, and responsible social media use. Families should foster emotional bonds, monitor activities, and engage children in meaningful pursuits to prevent social isolation. Collective efforts from the state, parents, and society are essential to safeguard the younger generation and guide them toward a peaceful and inclusive future.
Religious communities also play a crucial role in preventing violent extremism. They bear the primary responsibility of providing the correct interpretation of Islam and Shariah, as guided by the commands of God and the Prophet (PBUH), and should use social media to counter distorted teachings that lead to extremism. Pakistan can learn from other countries, such as Finland, where preventing violent extremism is a top priority. Finland’s efforts to strengthen the knowledge of Imams and community leaders help ensure their communities receive accurate guidance, contributing to the country’s high rankings in peace, happiness, and safety indices.
—The writer is a researcher and columnist.
