Abstract
• Investigating how the construction of extremism in media discourse influences youth mindsets for extremism appeals. • Qualitative experimental design. • Youths are committed to values that are against extremism. • Youths experience dissonance in their commitment towards values and group identity. • Youth identity is shaped by micro and macro needs. • Policy and practical implications. This paper explores the viewpoints of selected youths who participated in a laboratory setting study on persuasive elements in extremist messages found on social media. Following a laboratory intervention using a video clip and a PowerPoint presentation, structured interviews were conducted to investigate the meaning of commitment towards group identity that is bound by specific values. Findings suggest that youths are committed to values that are against extremism, and that dissonance occurs in regards to commitment towards values and group identity when the youths face difficult options. The study offers a critical perspective of the relationship between group identity and personal values in the context of extremist messages.
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