Background

Young people becoming radicalized through social media poses a pressing societal challenge. Short video formats, such as those on TikTok, provide a stage for extremist and harmful content, which can rapidly reach wide audiences through algorithmic recommendation systems. The spectrum ranges from extreme religious or political positions to racism, conspiracy theories, and even self-harming challenges. To counter this development, coordinated, practice-oriented research across Europe is urgently needed. Yet research at the regional level remains rare, as do interdisciplinary projects that integrate technological, media studies, and societal perspectives. Our project addresses this gap by focusing specifically on problematic social media use in the Lower Austria region.

Project Content and Objectives

The project investigates the drivers of radicalization on social media platforms such as TikTok. The insights gained will inform youth-appropriate prevention strategies in Lower Austria.

The following research questions guide the project:

• Which problematic (extremist) metanarratives (recurring narrative patterns) circulate on social media platforms, and which of them are particularly relevant in the Lower Austrian context?
• Which algorithmic mechanisms influence the visibility and spread of problematic content? Are there differences in recommendation logic related to regional language, interests, or usage patterns of Lower Austrian youth?
• Which co-creative formats (Participatory Design) are well-suited for developing preventive measures? How can schools, youth centres, and other organizations in Lower Austria be involved? How can young people be made aware of radicalization mechanisms?
• How can platforms like TikTok be involved as partners in research and prevention?

Although the project's focus is on the Lower Austria region, we regard it as beneficial to exchange experiences with other European regions. To this end, we use the network of the European University Alliance E³UDRES².

Methodology

The project uses a mix of methods, combining qualitative content analysis, algorithmic observation, and participatory development (involving young people and relevant stakeholders) of prevention measures. It is interdisciplinary, bringing together technological, media studies, and design-oriented perspectives.

The methodological approach includes:

• A structured literature and best-practice analysis of digital radicalization processes and algorithmic amplification mechanisms.
• Workshops and iLivingLabs with students where prevention ideas are co-creatively developed.
• An expert event in Lower Austria to validate project results.
• A sustainable research design that enables follow-up studies at EU level.
• A method for algorithmic observation.
• A data protection and ethics concept to ensure responsible research in this field.

Results

NO:HATE systematically investigates, for the first time, the relationship between algorithmic platform mechanisms, radicalizing content, and regional usage patterns. The project combines technical expertise with media studies knowledge and actively involves young people in the research. Through its participatory approach, it generates new insights into how digital radicalization processes unfold, making it possible to develop practical prevention strategies. Beyond strengthening regional networks in Lower Austria, NO:HATE also connects with other European regions facing similar challenges.

Funding