04 May 2019
- RSIS
- Media Mentions
- The Big Read: Open to Extremist Views, Youth Want Diverse Voices and Honest Talk — But At What Cost?
The Big Read: Open to Extremist Views, Youth Want Diverse Voices and Honest Talk — But At What Cost?
Many youths agreed that they are more open to extremist views online, but said they have faith in their ability to draw a line at views that incite hatred or violence. Mr Muhammad Faizal Abdul Rahman, a research fellow at the RSIS Centre of Excellence for National Security said it could be down to youths feeling that the vastness of the online space renders blocking all extremist content impossible, or they could feel that Singapore’s “social cohesion and education have empowered them with the necessary mental firewalls to recognise and resist extremist content”. Dr Paul Hedges, an associate professor in interreligious studies at RSIS, added: “Extremist views are found online, and in many cases it is not too difficult to find them… As such, what needs to be done is for all people, not just young people, to be given the tools to critically analyse such views and see their deficiencies.”
CENS / SRP / Online
Last updated on 07/05/2019
