Podcast Summary
Empathy and Understanding Extremism: Understanding the motivations of extremists requires a multifaceted approach that includes empathy and the ability to connect with them, as demonstrated by Nafis Hamid's experience as an actor and researcher.
Understanding the motivations of individuals on the brink of extremism requires a multifaceted approach. As seen in the story of Nafis Hamid, a former actor turned researcher, the ability to relate and connect with radicalized individuals can provide valuable insights. Nafis's experience as an actor helped him understand the mindset of those he was studying, enabling him to communicate their thoughts effectively to policymakers and the media. This approach, combining the embodied understanding of an actor with the analytical lens of a scientist, offers a unique perspective in combating extremist ideologies. By recognizing the importance of empathy and connection in understanding complex issues, we can work towards more effective solutions.
Undercover research on extremist motivations: Connecting with extremists can be risky and may lead to suspicion and danger, but researchers remain dedicated to understanding their motivations
Understanding the complex motivations of individuals with extremist views can be a dangerous and challenging endeavor. Nafis, a researcher, went undercover in Barcelona to recruit volunteers for his study on sacred values. He pretended to be an extremist, but was discovered and kicked out of a cafe. However, he managed to connect with a man through his YouTube videos, who invited him to his apartment. During their conversation, the man revealed his support for a global jihadi movement. When Nafis tried to appeal to the man's vanity and offer to spread his message to a wider audience, the man became suspicious and began to view Nafis as a fake Muslim, a potential threat to his community. Frightened for his life, Nafis had to escape, which led him to hang out of a second-story window and fall onto an awning below. Although this experience was dangerous and harrowing, Nafis remained determined to continue his research, reflecting the allure of excitement and adventure that comes with exploring the unknown.
Community engagement in radicalization research: Building trust within communities and addressing social exclusion are crucial for effective radicalization research and preventing radicalization
Understanding and connecting with communities is crucial when conducting research on radicalization. Cognitive scientist Nafis Hamid, while studying the factors that push people towards violent extremism, found that using a local fixer and building trust within communities was essential for recruiting volunteers. Even radicalized individuals, who were initially hesitant, became curious and eager to participate when they saw the potential value of the research. Moreover, Nafis discovered that social exclusion could significantly impact an individual's willingness to fight and die for their beliefs. In a virtual soccer game study, volunteers who were excluded from passing the ball were more likely to express a higher willingness to fight and die for both sacred and non-sacred values. This finding emphasizes the importance of addressing social exclusion to prevent radicalization and promote harmony within diverse communities.
Social exclusion, extremist groups: Social exclusion and isolation can make individuals more susceptible to extremist ideologies, highlighting the importance of addressing social needs and providing support to at-risk individuals
Social exclusion and the need for acceptance can push individuals towards seeking belonging in extreme groups. The case of Nafis, a research assistant in a brain imaging study, illustrates this phenomenon. Nafis experienced a series of life events, including conflicts with his father, loss of a friend, and a broken relationship, which left him feeling isolated and vulnerable. This, in turn, made him more susceptible to extremist ideologies. Despite his initial charisma and ambition, Nafis began to express sympathy for extremist groups like the Taliban and ISIS. When confronted about the dangerous propaganda he was consuming, Nafis seemed unresponsive and unconvinced. Ultimately, he disappeared, leaving the researchers concerned for his safety. This story underscores the importance of addressing social exclusion and providing support to individuals who may be at risk of radicalization. It also highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of extremist ideologies and the need for nuanced interventions.
Brain and radicalization: Deactivation of self-control area and activation of emotional area in brain can lead to radical actions, focusing on changing actions instead of values may be effective in preventing radicalization.
Understanding the role of the brain in decision-making related to radicalization can provide valuable insights into preventing extremist actions. Nafis, a researcher studying extremism, discovered that when individuals are asked about their willingness to fight and die for sacred values, the part of the brain associated with self-control and deliberative cognition (dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) is deactivated, while the part associated with emotions and motivation (ventromedial prefrontal cortex) is highly activated. This "I want" response can lead to radical actions. However, Nafis and his team found that it might be more effective to change what individuals are willing to do for their sacred values, rather than trying to change the values themselves. By targeting the action propensity, it may be possible to deter the spread of radicalization.
Belonging and Conformity: Perceiving a gap between beliefs and in-group views can trigger an error detection response, leading individuals to conform to maintain a sense of belonging.
Our desire to belong to a group can significantly influence our intentions and values. When individuals perceive a gap between their beliefs and the views of their in-group, their brains may trigger an error detection response, leading them to conform to the social norms of their group to maintain a sense of belonging. This phenomenon, as demonstrated in various studies, can be observed in various social contexts. For instance, a study showed that when individuals were made to believe that most Rwandans favored reconciliation, they started to favor it as well. Similarly, an individual's extreme beliefs may stem from a sense of loss and instability in their life, leading them to seek a new sense of belonging through alternative communities and ideologies. Therefore, instead of arguing people out of their beliefs, it may be more effective to focus on building bonds and fostering understanding to bring about change.
Building relationships: Empathy and understanding are essential for changing someone's beliefs. Engage with respect, provide alternative information, and focus on building a relationship based on mutual respect to promote positive change.
Understanding and empathy are key to changing someone's beliefs, even if those beliefs are deeply entrenched or offensive. Nafisa Maith, a cognitive scientist, shared her experience of engaging with a friend who held extremist beliefs, including those of the QAnon conspiracy theory. Despite the friend's radical ideas and divisive messages, Maith saw him as a person and respected him, earning his trust and becoming a "credible messenger." By engaging with him respectfully and providing alternative information, Maith was able to help her friend post less extremist content and pursue a new line of work. This approach requires overcoming the urge to exclude or condemn, and instead focusing on building a relationship based on mutual respect and understanding. As Maith emphasized, we are all connected and exist in relation to one another, and transforming someone's beliefs requires transforming the relationship as well. This approach may be challenging, but it offers a more effective and compassionate way to navigate differences and promote positive change.