The Vulnerability of Political Radicalization for Individuals with Autism

It’s an election year, and right now the political climate is as toxic as it has ever been. The landscape on both sides of the aisle is growing increasingly volatile, dominated by black and white thinking, lack of respect for others’ beliefs, and increasing hatred for the nation they call home. This is largely in part due to social media platforms and the echo chambers they create.

One disturbing trend that has emerged is how young adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are being disproportionately susceptible to radicalization towards extreme ideologies, whether it’s far-left or far-right. This susceptibility is particularly evident on platforms such as X (Twitter), TikTok, Discord, and Reddit, among others, where echo chambers thrive and misinformation spreads unchecked.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), characterized by social interaction challenges, communication difficulties, and repetitive behaviors, contributes to this vulnerability. The need for belonging and community among individuals with ASD often leads them to seek acceptance in online groups, which may promote extreme ideologies, filling the void of social connection that they often lack in the real world. Furthermore, the black and white, rigid thinking patterns common among individuals with ASD make them susceptible to the simplistic narratives of extremist groups. The anonymity of online interactions further exacerbates this susceptibility, allowing for the exploration of extreme beliefs without fear of social consequences.

Social media algorithms play a significant role in reinforcing extremist ideologies by creating echo chambers that cater to users’ existing beliefs and preferences. Many accuse these platforms of knowingly harboring “rabbit holes” that cause one to go from a relatively moderate political creator to much more extreme pundits of either side of the spectrum. These individuals tend to target those who are already vulnerable and discontent with the lives they live, which often makes people with ASD prime targets.

Addressing this vulnerability requires a unique approach, which includes greater support and inclusion for individuals with ASD in mainstream society, education on critical thinking and media literacy, and improved moderation policies by social media companies. A lot of these platforms thrive on “clickbait” and outrage, which unfortunately does not bode well for those on the autism spectrum. The more this problem is left unchecked, the more discontent, angry, and divided the population in general will become. Overall, we need to understand the unique challenges faced by those on the ASD spectrum so we can prevent them from going down the path of political extremism, whether it’s on the left or right.