Cyber Extremism as a Contemporary Social Phenomenon: A Sociological Approach to the Mechanisms of Formation and Strategies of Confrontation

This study seeks to analyze the phenomenon of cyber extremism as one of the most serious contemporary digital social challenges, by focusing on the strategies of confronting it within the electronic space from a sociological perspective.The study proceeds from the assumption that confronting cyber extremism cannot be confined to the traditional security approaches, but it requires adopting a comprehensive and multi-dimensional approach that brings together preventive security, sustainable development, respect for human rights, the rule of law, as well as work and humanitarian assistance.The study adopts the descriptive analytical method, through analyzing sociological literature and related studies, in order to uncover the social dimensions of cyber extremism and to assess the effectiveness of the adopted strategies in limiting its spread within the electronic space.The results show that strengthening preventive digital security, supporting sustainable development pathways, and consolidating a culture of human rights represent essential pillars in dismantling extremist discourse and addressing its social roots.The study concludes that the success of strategies aimed at confronting cyber extremism is dependent on the integration of the security, developmental, rights-based and humanitarian dimensions, and on reinforcing digital socialization and societal awareness, in a way that contributes to protecting social cohesion and achieving human security within contemporary societies.