Exploring Political Extremism among Youth in Digital Age: A Perspective of Pakistani Media Academics

Aim of the Study: The purpose of this study is to explore the perspectives of Pakistani media academics regarding the factors that contribute to rising political extremism among the youth in digital age. Methodology: Keeping the users and gratification theory as the basis of theoretical framework, this paper used qualitative research design and carried out in-depth interviews from the media academics belonging to various academic organisations based in Islamabad/ Rawalpindi area. Findings: The study came out with four themes that contribute to political extremism among the youth in the digital age. These themes included factor of virtual echo chambers, lack of digital media literacy skills, belief on conspiracy theories and emotional appeal to radical online content. Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of digital media literacy for the Pakistani youth and has also forwarded several recommendations in light of the insights obtained from the Pakistani academics in reducing the effects of rising political extremism among the youth in Pakistani society.