The Radicalization Pipeline is Shifting: How Joshua Citarella is Mapping – and Attempting to Disrupt – Online Extremism
Forget the image of shadowy figures in basements. Today’s political radicalization is happening in plain sight, fueled by algorithms and increasingly young users. A recent U.C. Davis study revealed conservative users are disproportionately led down “rabbit holes” of extremist content on YouTube, but the story is far more complex. Joshua Citarella, the artist-turned-researcher behind the influential “Doomscroll” podcast, is building a reputation as one of the most astute observers of this phenomenon – and he’s attempting a counter-offensive.
From Post-Internet Art to “Politigram” and Beyond
Citarella’s journey began in the art world of the early 2010s, a period defined by “post-internet art” – works that embraced the internet as both medium and subject. His digitally altered images found a market, but its sudden collapse in 2015 proved a pivotal moment. Facing precarity, he began a deep dive into economic theory, from the right-wing Mises Institute to Marxist scholar David Harvey, simultaneously charting the bizarre landscape of online political subcultures. This research culminated in his 2018 self-published book, “Politigram and the Post-Left,” which documented the emergence of “E-deologies” – niche, often adolescent, political beliefs flourishing on Instagram.
The Rise of “E-Deologies” and the Age of Online Radicalization
What Citarella discovered wasn’t simply a collection of eccentric viewpoints. He found evidence of genuine radicalization, even among very young users. Accounts espousing ideologies like “Dharmic Eco-Reactionaryism” weren’t just theoretical exercises; some were linked to the circulation of extremist manifestos, including instructions for building explosives. This realization underscored a critical point: online political spaces, once dismissed as harmless echo chambers, were becoming breeding grounds for real-world extremism. The speed and scale of this radicalization, facilitated by algorithmic amplification, were – and remain – deeply concerning.
“Doomscroll” as a “Tactical Media Experiment”
Recognizing YouTube’s role as a primary vector for right-wing radicalization, Citarella launched “Doomscroll” in September 2023. He frames it as a “tactical media experiment,” a deliberate attempt to create a “new pipeline” that directs politically curious young people towards leftist ideas. This isn’t about preaching to the choir; Citarella actively seeks out conversations with ideological opponents – from MAGA personalities like Dasha Nekrasova to libertarian thinkers – aiming to understand and challenge their perspectives. He’s even ventured into the “manosphere,” publishing syllabi that blend left-wing readings with fitness routines, a calculated move to engage a demographic often overlooked by progressive media.
The “Liberal Joe Rogan” Approach and the Power of Nuance
“Doomscroll” distinguishes itself from many left-wing media outlets through its measured approach. Citarella, described by fellow YouTuber Kyle Kulinski as “the closest thing I’ve seen to a ‘liberal Joe Rogan,’” adopts a reserved, professional style, steering conversations without dominating them. This “social-democratic Lex Fridman” approach – as he calls it – prioritizes thoughtful dialogue over partisan rhetoric. The show’s high production quality, rivaling that of established podcasts from outlets like The New York Times, further elevates its credibility. This commitment to quality and nuance is a deliberate strategy to reach a broader audience and challenge the prevailing narrative.
Beyond “Doomscroll”: The Future of Counter-Radicalization
Citarella’s work highlights a crucial shift in the landscape of political discourse. Traditional media’s gatekeeping function is eroding, replaced by algorithmic curation and decentralized online communities. This creates both opportunities and dangers. The opportunity lies in the potential to reach new audiences and challenge extremist narratives directly. The danger is the amplification of misinformation and the rapid spread of radical ideologies. Brookings Institute research confirms the increasing role of online platforms in facilitating radicalization, emphasizing the need for proactive strategies.
The success of “Doomscroll” suggests that a nuanced, intellectually honest approach can be surprisingly effective in engaging with – and potentially diverting – those susceptible to extremist ideologies. However, this is just one piece of the puzzle. Addressing the underlying social and economic factors that drive radicalization, coupled with greater platform accountability and media literacy education, will be essential to stemming the tide. The battle for the digital mind is underway, and Joshua Citarella is proving to be a key strategist on the front lines.
What strategies do you think are most effective in countering online radicalization? Share your thoughts in the comments below!