The Interplay of the Online- And the Offline-World in Radicalization Processes

The virtual world and with it social media, networks and video portals have long since become an integral part of our lives nowadays. A division between the virtual and real world is becoming increasingly obsolete. Nevertheless, little is known about the interaction between the virtual and real world in radicalization processes. There is still a lack of empirically proven knowledge about the interrelation of the two worlds and its impact on radicalization processes. Based on findings from a research project on radicalization in Salafi Jihadism, we provide insight into the nexus between the virtual and the real world. We show how digital communication reveals real-world encounters and how both are mutually dependent. Conversely, we also show how the use of social media is of great importance in real-world dynamics. Using empirical examples from both spaces (online and offline), we develop theses on how, in which phases and through which media the interplay between the virtual and the real-world takes place in radicalization processes.