SMIDGE Featured Across Danish Media Platforms

The SMIDGE Project has been recently widely featured in Danish media through multiple insightful interviews and discussions. Researchers from the University of Copenhagen (UCPH), including Line Nybro Petersen and Mikkel Bækby Johansen, have shared their expertise on the complex dynamics of digital media, extremism and misinformation across various platforms.

In January 2025, Line Nybro Petersen, associate professor at the University of Copenhagen, took part in an insightful interview on the science podcast The Wild Minds of Science (Videnskabens Vilde Hjerner). In the episode, she shares her groundbreaking research on the growing extremism on social media, explaining the trends shaping the digital world and presenting new, unforeseen challenges. 

Petersen explained how “salad bar extremism” is emerging, a phenomenon where ideological fragments from various extremist ideologies are mixed together, creating dangerous hybrid ideologies that can appeal to a wide range of users. These new forms of extremism, she argued, are particularly adept at spreading through common online practices, such as the use of innocuous-looking hashtags like #funny or #meme, which often mask more harmful content.

The conversation also covered how online communities, like fan groups or digital detective games, can go from innocent fun to spreading extreme ideas. 

Petersen highlighted the significance of studying fan culture and online communities as part of this wider investigation. Her research connects the dots between fan activities—such as the communities surrounding popular TV series like Gilmore Girls and Sherlock Holmes—and the darker, more extremist communities that often emerge from these online spaces. The interview was also an urgent call to action for researchers, policymakers, and the public to engage with the evolving challenges of digital extremism. Petersen’s work is instrumental in shedding light on how social media narratives can turn from playful to perilous, and how society can prepare for the future dangers posed by these digital spaces.

As the SMIDGE project continues its work, Petersen’s interview serves as an important reminder of how social media platforms can quickly transform from spaces for entertainment and connection to vehicles for radicalization. 

You can listen to Line Nybro Petersen’s full interview on The Wild Minds of Science podcast, where she explains her research in greater detail and offers valuable insights into the complex world of digital extremism.

Line Nybro Petersen and Mikkel Bækby Johansen from the University of Copenhagen (UCPH) recently shared their expert insights on the spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories in the digital era through a series of prominent interviews with DR.dk. The conversations covered a wide range of important topics, from political extremism and social media dynamics to real-world violence and global tensions.

SMIDGE Project: Dissecting Conspiracy Theories and Social Media Impact

UCPH’s research team featured prominently on DR’s "Orientering på P1" radio program, where they discussed their SMIDGE project. This initiative focuses on the spread of misinformation, particularly in relation to the conspiracy theories that have emerged following the assassination attempt on former U.S. President Donald Trump. The team emphasized the role of social media in amplifying these false narratives, creating a fertile ground for extremist ideologies. The interview can be heard here.

Misinformation and Riots in the UK

Another interview with DR’s "Udsyn" podcast explored the dangers posed by misinformation and its ability to fuel extremism, particularly among middle-aged social media users. The podcast delved into falsehoods surrounding prominent figures like Olympian boxer Imane Khelif and the violent riots that recently rocked England. You can listen to the full discussion here.

UK Riots: A Media Lens

In a separate segment for DR’s "P1 Orientering," UCPH’s researchers shared their perspectives on the UK riots, providing analysis on the role social media plays in mobilizing mass unrest. The experts discussed how misinformation and political polarization intersected with the protests. The interview is available here.

The Conversation Between Elon Musk and Donald Trump

Mikkel Bækby Johansen was interviewed for DR’s "Tiden" podcast, offering insights into the recent publicized conversation between Elon Musk and Donald Trump. The discussion centered on Musk's quiet approach to Trump’s presidential campaign and its implications. Johansen further explained the rise of social media plots, including dangerous calls for violent action in Denmark. To explore this topic further, listen to the full interview here.

Culture Wars and Political Conversations

Bækby Johansen also appeared on DR’s "Udsyn" podcast program, where he analyzed the cultural and political significance of the widely viewed Joe Rogan interview with Donald Trump. With over 40 million views, the conversation represents more than just a media event but a defining moment in the culture wars. Johansen discussed how the anti-woke sentiments expressed in the podcast may influence voters and the upcoming presidential election. You can listen to this interview here.

Trump’s Media Strategy

In another insightful conversation on DR’s "P1 Morgen" podcast, Mikkel Bækby Johansen delved into Trump’s strategic use of media, particularly YouTube and podcasts, to further his political narrative. His appearance underscored the growing influence of alternative media in shaping public opinion and bolstering political campaigns. The full interview is available here.

Social Media and Violence

In an interview with DR's "K-Live," Line Nybro Petersen discussed the disturbing trend of social media users celebrating acts of violence. She highlighted the online reaction to the shooting of CEO Thompson in the United States, where social media platforms became breeding grounds for violent rhetoric and extremist endorsements. To hear more about this alarming phenomenon, listen to the interview here.