ISSN 1309-1581
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2025 Fall/Güz | Cilt 16, Sayı 4

The New Front of the Epistemological War: Digital Radicalization Dynamics and Humor Strategies of the Far-Right

Epistemolojik Savaşın Yeni Cephesi: Aşırı Sağın Dijital Radikalleşme Dinamikleri ve Mizah Stratejileri
Mert Can Atar
DOI: 10.5824/ajite.2025.04.002.x
Sayfa: 297-322
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English
EN Abstract

The New Front of the Epistemological War: Digital Radicalization Dynamics and Humor Strategies of the Far-Right

This study explores how digital media environments have transformed far-right ideologies by integrating memetic communication, algorithmic amplification, and decentralized networks. Drawing on Cass Sunstein's theory of radicalization and Manuel Castells' network society framework, the study demonstrates that humor-especially in the form of memes-functions as an epistemological weapon, blurring the line between truth and fiction and facilitating the normalization of extremist discourse. Encrypted platforms such as Telegram enable the reproduction of echo chambers, reinforcing ideological isolation and fostering transnational coordination without centralized authority. Far-right actors strategically use irony, satire, and visual culture to disseminate exclusionary narratives, especially targeting younger audiences. Social media algorithms intensify this process by promoting emotionally charged content, thus reinforcing ideological bubbles. The study employs a qualitative methodology based on literature review and conceptual analysis to provide a comprehensive understanding of digital radicalization mechanisms. It concludes that far-right digital strategies pose a profound threat to democratic discourse by reshaping how individuals perceive truth, identity, and political participation. To counter this, systemic responses must include algorithmic transparency, ethical platform governance, and investment in digital literacy to promote epistemic resilience. The research contributes to the broader understanding of how ideology and technology intersect in the age of digitally mediated extremism.
Keywords
Far-RightDigital RadicalizationHumorAlgorithmsMeme Culture.
TR Öz

Epistemolojik Savaşın Yeni Cephesi: Aşırı Sağın Dijital Radikalleşme Dinamikleri ve Mizah Stratejileri

Bu çalışma, dijital medya ortamlarının aşırı sağ ideolojileri nasıl dönüştürdüğünü; memetik iletişim, algoritmik etkileşim ve merkeziyetsiz dijital ağlar çerçevesinde incelemektedir. Cass Sunstein'in radikalleşme kuramı ve Manuel Castells'in ağ toplumu yaklaşımı doğrultusunda, mizahın-özellikle memeler yoluyla-hakikat ile kurgu arasındaki sınırları bulanıklaştıran bir epistemolojik silah olarak işlev gördüğü ortaya konulmuştur. Telegram gibi şifreli platformlar, yankı odalarının yeniden üretimini sağlayarak bireylerin bilgi izolasyonunu derinleştirir ve merkezi bir otorite olmaksızın ulusötesi örgütlenmeyi mümkün kılar. Aşırı sağ aktörler, ironi, hiciv ve görsel kültür aracılığıyla dışlayıcı söylemleri yayarken özellikle genç kitleleri hedef alır. Sosyal medya algoritmaları bu süreci duygusal açıdan yüklü içerikleri öne çıkararak güçlendirir. Çalışma, literatür taraması ve kavramsal analiz yoluyla dijital radikalleşme mekanizmalarına ilişkin bütüncül bir değerlendirme sunar. Sonuç olarak, dijital aşırı sağ stratejilerin bireylerin hakikat, kimlik ve siyasal katılım algısını dönüştürerek demokratik söylemi tehdit ettiği vurgulanır. Bu tehditle başa çıkmak için algoritmik şeffaflık, etik platform yönetişimi ve dijital medya okuryazarlığı gibi sistematik önlemler önerilmektedir.
Anahtar Kelimeler
Aşırı SağDijital RadikalleşmeMizahAlgoritmalarMeme Kültürü.
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Sayı Kapağı
2025 Fall/Güz | Cilt 16, Sayı 4
Makale Bilgileri
Tür: Araştırma Makalesi
DOI: 10.5824/ajite.2025.04.002.x
Yıl: 2025
Cilt: 16
Sayı: 4
Sayfa: 297-322