Research Article

The New Front of the Epistemological War: Digital Radicalization Dynamics and Humor Strategies of the Far-Right

Volume: 16 Number: 4 November 30, 2025
TR EN

The New Front of the Epistemological War: Digital Radicalization Dynamics and Humor Strategies of the Far-Right

Abstract

This study explores how digital media environments have transformed far-right ideologies by integrating memetic communication, algorithmic amplification, and decentralized networks. Drawing on Cass Sunstein’s theory of radicalization and Manuel Castells’ network society framework, the study demonstrates that humor—especially in the form of memes—functions as an epistemological weapon, blurring the line between truth and fiction and facilitating the normalization of extremist discourse. Encrypted platforms such as Telegram enable the reproduction of echo chambers, reinforcing ideological isolation and fostering transnational coordination without centralized authority. Far-right actors strategically use irony, satire, and visual culture to disseminate exclusionary narratives, especially targeting younger audiences. Social media algorithms intensify this process by promoting emotionally charged content, thus reinforcing ideological bubbles. The study employs a qualitative methodology based on literature review and conceptual analysis to provide a comprehensive understanding of digital radicalization mechanisms. It concludes that far-right digital strategies pose a profound threat to democratic discourse by reshaping how individuals perceive truth, identity, and political participation. To counter this, systemic responses must include algorithmic transparency, ethical platform governance, and investment in digital literacy to promote epistemic resilience. The research contributes to the broader understanding of how ideology and technology intersect in the age of digitally mediated extremism.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Social Media Studies, Communication and Media Studies (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

November 30, 2025

Submission Date

July 1, 2025

Acceptance Date

October 20, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 16 Number: 4

APA
Atar, M. C. (2025). The New Front of the Epistemological War: Digital Radicalization Dynamics and Humor Strategies of the Far-Right. AJIT-E: Academic Journal of Information Technology, 16(4), 297-322. https://doi.org/10.5824/ajite.2025.04.002.x
AMA
1.Atar MC. The New Front of the Epistemological War: Digital Radicalization Dynamics and Humor Strategies of the Far-Right. AJIT-e: Academic Journal of Information Technology. 2025;16(4):297-322. doi:10.5824/ajite.2025.04.002.x
Chicago
Atar, Mert Can. 2025. “The New Front of the Epistemological War: Digital Radicalization Dynamics and Humor Strategies of the Far-Right”. AJIT-E: Academic Journal of Information Technology 16 (4): 297-322. https://doi.org/10.5824/ajite.2025.04.002.x.
EndNote
Atar MC (November 1, 2025) The New Front of the Epistemological War: Digital Radicalization Dynamics and Humor Strategies of the Far-Right. AJIT-e: Academic Journal of Information Technology 16 4 297–322.
IEEE
[1]M. C. Atar, “The New Front of the Epistemological War: Digital Radicalization Dynamics and Humor Strategies of the Far-Right”, AJIT-e: Academic Journal of Information Technology, vol. 16, no. 4, pp. 297–322, Nov. 2025, doi: 10.5824/ajite.2025.04.002.x.
ISNAD
Atar, Mert Can. “The New Front of the Epistemological War: Digital Radicalization Dynamics and Humor Strategies of the Far-Right”. AJIT-e: Academic Journal of Information Technology 16/4 (November 1, 2025): 297-322. https://doi.org/10.5824/ajite.2025.04.002.x.
JAMA
1.Atar MC. The New Front of the Epistemological War: Digital Radicalization Dynamics and Humor Strategies of the Far-Right. AJIT-e: Academic Journal of Information Technology. 2025;16:297–322.
MLA
Atar, Mert Can. “The New Front of the Epistemological War: Digital Radicalization Dynamics and Humor Strategies of the Far-Right”. AJIT-E: Academic Journal of Information Technology, vol. 16, no. 4, Nov. 2025, pp. 297-22, doi:10.5824/ajite.2025.04.002.x.
Vancouver
1.Mert Can Atar. The New Front of the Epistemological War: Digital Radicalization Dynamics and Humor Strategies of the Far-Right. AJIT-e: Academic Journal of Information Technology. 2025 Nov. 1;16(4):297-322. doi:10.5824/ajite.2025.04.002.x