How Online Algorithms & Profit Motives Fuel Youth Radicalization | Dr. Cynthia Miller-Idriss

In this episode of Doing Tech Right from ConnectSafely, host Larry Magid talks with Dr. Cynthia Miller-Idriss, professor at American University and founding director of PERIL (the Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab), about how online environments can contribute to extremism, radicalization, and polarization.Miller-Idriss explains that radicalization is typically gradual, shaped by desensitization, vulnerabilities like isolation and adverse experiences, parasocial influencer relationships, and direct recruitment—often via gaming chats and related communities that can lead users into encrypted spaces. She discusses dehumanization, democratic backsliding, and how algorithm-driven attention and attachment economies reward outrage and harmful content.The conversation covers why adolescents are especially vulnerable, warning signs for parents, safe ways to counter misinformation without shaming, and industry steps like disabling addictive features, enabling easier feed controls, and making it simple to reset algorithms.00:00 Welcome and guest intro01:18 How radicalization unfolds04:13 Gaming chats and recruitment07:10 Lessons from Germany10:13 Algorithms and addictive design13:23 Profit motives behind hate15:40 Countering hate safely19:49 Why teens are vulnerable24:10 Warning signs and grooming27:55 What platforms should change30:04 Resources and closing