Smidge Project’s Findings Cited in Guardian Investigation into Radicalisation Pathways

SMIDGE Team
Oct 9
2 min read

The Smidge Project is featured in a recent investigation of the Guardian titled “Inside the everyday Facebook networks where far-right ideas grow.” The article examines how anti-immigration sentiment, conspiracy theories, and radical rhetoric can thrive in everyday Facebook groups—spaces that often remain invisible to mainstream observers.

Key points from the investigation

A network of public Facebook groups was analysed, showing members expressing distrust in institutions, criticism of immigration, and, in some cases, extremist messaging.
Some posts edge toward extremist ideology through dehumanising language, coded speech, or conspiracy framing.
Narratives such as “I’m not far-right, I’m just right” can serve as entry points to more extreme ideas.
The article cites Smidge’s research on conspiracies and misinformation, noting that many conspiracy posts “contain some truth but are cynically distorted.”
These spaces act as amplifiers, using algorithmic reach and speed to spread narratives that might otherwise remain marginal.

This investigation highlights how radicalisation processes are often embedded in everyday interactions, rather than confined to fringe platforms or overtly extremist spaces. It underscores the importance of examining not just content, but also the network structures and platform dynamics that enable harmful narratives to travel and grow.

Media investigations play an important role in bringing these dynamics into the public conversation. But sustainable responses require more than visibility, they demand continuous research, informed interventions, and structural transparency from platforms.

The Smidge Project remains committed to rigorous, interdisciplinary research on these issues. Our work focuses on understanding how narratives evolve, identifying the social and technological conditions that allow them to gain traction, and collaborating with partners to build healthier, more resilient information ecosystems where harmful narratives can be challenged more effectively.

Explore our research and case studies: https://www.smidgeproject.eu/