The Guardian Highlights Smidge Project’s Work on Middle-Aged Radicalisation

In a recent article published by The Guardian titled “Fears for UK boomer radicalisation on Facebook after Meta drops factcheckers”, the Smidge Project was recognised as a pioneering initiative addressing the pressing issue of extremism among middle-aged social media users.

The article explores the potential consequences of Meta’s decision to replace professional fact checkers on Facebook with a crowdsourced system. Experts warn this change could lead to a surge in misinformation and extremist content targeting older users, further exacerbating the phenomenon of "boomer radicalisation."

Dr. Sara Wilford from De Montfort University, a lead researcher for the Smidge Project, voiced her concerns regarding this shift: “It’s clearly a retrograde step that comes with all sorts of risks. X might be the model for the crowdsourced ‘community notes’ approach that Meta seems to be embracing, but it just won’t work in the same way with Facebook, which very much operates in little silos or closed groups. I’m concerned that, for middle-aged Facebook users who risk being exposed to extremist content, it will be even harder to discern the truth.”

The article underscores the importance of the Smidge Project’s work, particularly in light of recent data and real-world examples of middle-aged individuals being drawn into extremist ideologies through social media.

Platforms like Facebook, the article notes, have increasingly become hubs for hyperlocal and highly targeted content. According to Dr. Wilford, this environment often provides vulnerable users with a sense of validation and belonging, further reinforcing their exposure to echo chambers.

To read the full article, visit: Fears for UK boomer radicalisation on Facebook after Meta drops factcheckers