Signposts – A background report on right-wing extremist online subcultures

The report outlines the historical evolution of right-wing extremist internet use in Germany and the conceptual framework used for the "Countering Radicalisation in Right-Wing Extremist Online Subcultures" project. It highlights expert findings on the strategic use of mainstream and alternative platforms, the role of gaming and messenger services like Telegram, and the convergence of right-wing extremists with conspiracy theorists and anti-vaxxers.

• Right-wing extremists in Germany have consistently adapted to technological and social advancements, including the rise of Web 2.0, to further their objectives.
• Expert interviews indicate a strategic division of platform use: mainstream platforms are used to reach broad audiences, while alternative platforms are used for the distribution of radical content.
• In German-speaking regions, Telegram and alternative audiovisual platforms are particularly significant, and gaming platforms have increased in importance as entry points.
• A significant contemporary trend is the convergence of right-wing extremists with anti-vaccination advocates and conspiracy ideologues.
• While moderation on platforms varies, the efforts of mainstream platforms have been found to be quite effective where implemented.

APA

Hammer, D., Matlach, P., & Baaken, T. (2022). Signposts – A background report on right-wing extremist online subcultures. Institute for Strategic Dialogue. https://www.isdglobal.org/publication/signposts-a-background-report-on-right-wing-extremist-online-subcultures/

Chicago

Hammer, Dominik, Paula Matlach, and Till Baaken. Signposts – A background report on right-wing extremist online subcultures. Institute for Strategic Dialogue, 2022. https://www.isdglobal.org/publication/signposts-a-background-report-on-right-wing-extremist-online-subcultures/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Hammer |first1=Dominik |last2=Matlach |first2=Paula |last3=Baaken |first3=Till |title=Signposts – A background report on right-wing extremist online subcultures |publisher=Institute for Strategic Dialogue |date=21 October 2022 |url=https://www.isdglobal.org/publication/signposts-a-background-report-on-right-wing-extremist-online-subcultures/ |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{hammer2022signposts, author = {Hammer, Dominik and Matlach, Paula and Baaken, Till}, title = {{Signposts – A background report on right-wing extremist online subcultures}}, institution = {Institute for Strategic Dialogue}, year = {2022}, month = oct, url = {https://www.isdglobal.org/publication/signposts-a-background-report-on-right-wing-extremist-online-subcultures/}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }