What turns an opinion into action – and when does that action become extreme?

Researchers are combining social psychology with AI to better understand how people become deeply engaged in political causes and what may push some towards violent behaviour When Prof Emma Thomas watches the evening news, she can’t help but notice that “almost every story is abo

Researchers are combining social psychology with AI to better understand how people become deeply engaged in political causes and what may push some towards violent behaviour When Prof Emma Thomas watches the evening news, she can’t help but notice that “almost every story is about some form of collective action”. If people aren’t protesting in the streets, they’re mobilising after a crisis, joining grassroots campaigns or being drawn into extremist movements. Being alert to group mobilisation goes with the territory for this Flinders University social psychologist, who has studied political engagement and extremism for more than 20 years.

She says people are increasingly coming together to try to change the world around them – sometimes peacefully and constructively, and sometimes in ways that become more confrontational. Continue reading...