Identity bubbles on social media enhance the effects of intolerance of uncertainty and predict support for radical action

Abstract

Abstract Radicalization and violent extremism endanger the security and stability of modern societies. In the present study, we aimed to improve our understanding of these phenomena by investigating the factors that determine individuals’ support for radical action, with a particular focus on the role of identity bubbles on social media. A sample of 563 Europeans filled out an online questionnaire containing demographic questions, scales related to intolerance of uncertainty and identity bubbles, and questions about their support for radical action in hypothetical scenarios. We found that men, younger individuals, those with more extreme political views, and those more prone to interacting with like-minded users on social media (i.e., homophily) exhibited higher levels of support for radical action. Moreover, social identification and information bias on social media moderated the association between intolerance of uncertainty and support for radical action, amplifying the positive association between the variables. These effects were not further moderated by partisanship.