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The “chanification” of white supremacist extremism

Author

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  • Michael Miller Yoder

    (Carnegie Mellon University
    University of Pittsburgh)

  • David West Brown

    (Carnegie Mellon University)

  • Kathleen M. Carley

    (Carnegie Mellon University)

Abstract

Much research has focused on the role of the alt-right in pushing far-right narratives into mainstream discourse. In this work, we focus on the alt-right’s effects on extremist narratives themselves. From 2012 to 2017, we find a rise in alt-right, 4chan-like discourse styles across multiple communication platforms known for white supremacist extremism, such as Stormfront. This discourse style incorporates inflammatory insults, irreverent comments, and talk about memes and online “chan” culture itself. A network analysis of one far-right extremist platform suggests that central users adopt and spread this alt-right style. This analysis has implications for understanding influence and change in online white supremacist extremism, as well as the role of style in white supremacist communications. Warning: This paper contains examples of hateful and offensive language.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Miller Yoder & David West Brown & Kathleen M. Carley, 2025. "The “chanification” of white supremacist extremism," Computational and Mathematical Organization Theory, Springer, vol. 31(3), pages 222-235, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:comaot:v:31:y:2025:i:3:d:10.1007_s10588-024-09390-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s10588-024-09390-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Margaret E. Roberts & Brandon M. Stewart & Dustin Tingley & Christopher Lucas & Jetson Leder‐Luis & Shana Kushner Gadarian & Bethany Albertson & David G. Rand, 2014. "Structural Topic Models for Open‐Ended Survey Responses," American Journal of Political Science, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 58(4), pages 1064-1082, October.
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