Araştırma Makalesi

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

Cilt: 16 Sayı: 4 30 Kasım 2025
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The New Front of the Epistemological War: Digital Radicalization Dynamics and Humor Strategies of the Far-Right

Öz

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.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Kaynakça

  1. Anttiroiko, A. (2015). Networks in context: The concept of network in Manuel Castells’ theory of the network society. Theoretical and Practical Research in the Economic Fields, 6(1), 67. https://doi.org/10.14505/tpref.v6.1(11).04
  2. Aral, S. (2022). Furya makinesi: Sosyal medya seçimlerimizi, ekonomimizi ve sağlığımızı nasıl bozuyor? (S. H. Özçelik, Çev.). Tellekt.
  3. Askanius, T. (2021). On frogs, monkeys, and execution memes: Exploring the humor-hate nexus at the intersection of neo-nazi and alt-right movements in Sweden. Television & New Media, 22(2), 147–165. https://doi.org/10.1177/1527476420982234
  4. Askanius, T., & Keller, N. (2021). Murder fantasies in memes: Fascist aesthetics of death threats and the banalization of white supremacist violence. Information, Communication & Society, 24(16), 2522–2539. https://doi.org/10.1080/1369118x.2021.1974517
  5. Atar, M. C. (2024). 6 Ocak ayaklanmasına giden yol: ABD’de hakikatin çöküşü ve sosyal ağ kitlelerinin gücü (1st ed.). Eğitim Yayınları.
  6. Balleck, B. J. (2014). Modern American extremism: From the Klan to the Tea Party. Praeger.
  7. Baspehlivan, U. (2023). Theorising the memescape: The spatial politics of internet memes. Review of International Studies, 50(1), 35–57. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0260210523000049
  8. Bennett, W. L., & Segerberg, A. (2015). The logic of connective action: Digital media and the personalization of contentious politics. In Handbook of Digital Politics. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781782548768.00020

Ayrıntılar

Birincil Dil

İngilizce

Konular

Sosyal Medya Çalışmaları, İletişim ve Medya Çalışmaları (Diğer)

Bölüm

Araştırma Makalesi

Yayımlanma Tarihi

30 Kasım 2025

Gönderilme Tarihi

1 Temmuz 2025

Kabul Tarihi

20 Ekim 2025

Yayımlandığı Sayı

Yıl 2025 Cilt: 16 Sayı: 4

Kaynak Göster

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. 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 (01 Kasım 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, c. 16, sy 4, ss. 297–322, Kas. 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 (01 Kasım 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. 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, c. 16, sy 4, Kasım 2025, ss. 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. 01 Kasım 2025;16(4):297-322. doi:10.5824/ajite.2025.04.002.x