‘The fringe didn’t disappear’: Expert explains how to combat online threats, antisemitic propaganda
The average person never knows when a bad actor, such as a foreign agent, extremist, or impersonator, will strike in the virtual world. That’s where Alex Goldenberg comes in.
In recent years, online hate and antisemitic propaganda have spread far beyond the hidden corners of the internet, putting everyone at risk. Extremist subcultures, conspiracy networks, and foreign influence operations that once existed only in fringe message boards have now infiltrated mainstream social media platforms, reaching millions of people. It's difficult for the average person to know when a bad actor, such as a foreign agent, extremist, or impersonator, will strike in the virtual world.
Alex Goldenberg, an open-source intelligence and cyber-threat analyst, is on the front lines of combating these online threats. He tracks extremist ideologies, foreign influence operations, and emerging technologies like social media, artificial intelligence, and prediction markets, alerting international law enforcement and intelligence agencies to potential dangers.
Goldenberg's work involves briefings on various issues, from foreign influence to cyber weaponry, and training private sector security professionals to recognize and respond to online threats.
The rise of antisemitic hate online began accelerating approximately 15 years ago. Although antisemitism has always existed on the internet, the advent of image boards like 4chan in 2003 marked a turning point. 4chan popularized the "Internet meme," where photos are accompanied by text, often used to spread hateful messages. One of the most notorious examples is the Pepe the Frog meme, which was once considered harmless but later became associated with hate symbols when it was altered to resemble Hitler.
Through ironic hatred and antisemitic memes, these communities engaged in trolling and spread hate under the guise of humor.
The popularity of these fringe ideologies and memes has grown due to their dissemination on social media platforms. Algorithms on platforms like X, Instagram Reels, and TikTok amplify hate messages, exposing them to a broader audience. Young people are now exposed to extremist figures like Nick Fuentes and Candace Owens without actively seeking them out. The fringe hate has not disappeared; it has simply become mainstream.
Parents should be aware of various nefarious movements and organizations that pose threats to young people online, including the Incel movement. Incel (involuntary celibate) individuals are frustrated young men who are unable to find partners and hold resentment towards society and women. This online movement's ideology often leads to violence in the real world.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
