Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
Why do people become extremists?
Position1 of 5

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.

Supporting arguments · 1

  1. Feeling upset, alone, or lacking meaning and purpose in life
    Being emotionally upset after stressful events can lead people to seek out the safety of group thinking. Extremism is a form of group thinking that can make an individual feel more secure.