ABSTRACT
This chapter begins by explaining why conceptual clarity is important. It examines in turn the terms “radicalization,” “self-radicalization,” “online radicalization,” and “echo chamber,” detailing the different ways in which they are used and explaining the problems to which this definitional uncertainty gives rise. The chapter suggests some directions for future research that will advance understanding of the role the internet plays in contemporary violent extremism. Radicalization, self-radicalization, online radicalization, and echo chambers are contested terms. The chapter shows that each is capable of being understood, and is in fact used, in different ways. The difficulty inherent in the term relates to the understanding of radicalization that takes terrorism to be the end result of the process. The remaining items were reviewed and filtered out if neither online radicalization nor self-radicalization was a principal focus of the piece.
