Intelligent Systems, Vulnerable Minds: A Framework for Radicalization to Violence in the Age of AI

AI-driven algorithms designed to maximize engagement on social media, compounded by generative AI, can unintentionally set the stage for radicalization. It begins with Exposure, where algorithms push users toward extreme content because it captures attention. Next, during Reinforcement, algorithms feed users personalized content while AI swarms can create a synthetic consensus that reinforces emerging biases, normalizes extremity, and insulates users from alternative views. Third, during Group Integration, individuals are absorbed into extremist networks, reinforced by human peers, AI companions, and bot swarms that validate radical beliefs and deepen identity ties. By exploiting psychological needs for belonging and certainty, this stage becomes particularly pernicious, potentially opening the door for violence. We propose policy measures that can reduce radicalization at each stage.

Download paper here

Bibtex

@article{kunst2026intelligent,
  title={Intelligent Systems, Vulnerable Minds: A Framework for Radicalization to Violence in the Age of AI},
  author={Kunst, Jonas R and Obaidi, Milan and Hogg, Yariv and Brandtzaeg, Petter Bae and Schroeder, Daniel T},
  journal={Personality and Social Psychology Review},
  year={2026},
  publisher={SAGE Publications},
  doi={10.1177/10888683261430089}
}