- Question
Why do people become extremists?
By Oxford definition, an extremist is defined as "a person who holds extreme or fanatical political or religious views, especially one who resorts to or advocates extreme action." The United States FBI has outlined the following reasons why people may turn to extremism.
People feel alone or lack meaning and purpose in life
Isolation and loneliness can be the leading cause of why people turn to extremism. Extremists have groups and organizations where like-minded people gather, giving lonely people a community and purpose.
Being emotionally upset after a stressful event
This position holds that people can be drawn into extremism after a stressful or traumatic life event. It argues that acute emotional distress can leave a person vulnerable, making the certainty and belonging an extremist group offers especially appealing.
People disagree with government policy
Disagreements over policy can incite people to feel like they have lost their political or economic voice. Feeling a loss of political agency can lead to depression and anger, and both are emotions that cause extremist tendencies.
People feel undervalued by society
Feeling undervalued and under-appreciated by society can make a person feel like they have nowhere to turn for support and encouragement. Extremist groups give people a sense of purpose and drive in their lives that that may not have if they're feeling underrepresented in their society.
People experience emotions of hate towards certain groups
Hate is one of the root causes of extremism and extremist groups. Hate for other people can cause racism, homophobia, and acts of violence that turn into extremism.