FAQ

F.A.Q

Why are NeoNazis on the social networks?

They are on social networks to spread their beliefs and ideology. They are searching for compliant acceptance in social network sites by posting profiles with rightwing extremist beliefs. They are requesting others to incite acts of violence against other groups, such as Muslims, migrants, and others that go against what they believe to be their enemies. They are forming groups of right wing extremists. They attempt to get together for demonstrations and other hateful actions.

When they come up against resistance, they begin to act in a way that cannot be punished legally, they do it ambiguously.

Why do they do these things?

Their range of contacts increases on social media networks because they reach further than their own contacts when they publish publicly.

They know that they can produce their right wing extremism in a non obtrusive place.

They believe that they can state their opinion on social media without the backlash they may receive in a physical environment.

They attempt to gain political space by posting their rightwing extremist statements where it usually does not make any difference what is posted.

They feel that their world view is being celebrated.

When other people recognize similarities, such as taste in movies, their inhibition and shyness decreases.

With social network sites, they have the ability to contact a younger generation personally and begin to feed them the untruths of extreme right wing beliefs.

These are extremists with an agenda, they build a facade that works like a spider web and draws people in using pretty words. Once in, the youth begin to hear a different side to every belief mentioned. The Nazi and neo nazi begin to work on techniques to retain the younger generation.

Why do you feel this is an issue?

Although they have the right to post on social network sites, they do not have the right to post extremism or racial or even hateful speech towards any other group. This is against the freedom of speech.

When numerous ideologies continue to be posted with no argument, or contrary facts being stated, this becomes the norm. People tend to believe what is posted, especially if there is no argument being made against those ideologies.

Their presence on social media sites enables recruitment of sympathizers to their beliefs.

Many of the racist or anti-sematic groups function well in middle society.

They are able to have discussions and spread the right wing extremism until someone can put a stop to it.

When they converse and exchange words with like minded people, it strengthens their self confidence and belief in the extreme right wing thoughts.

With the ability to be anonymous on social networking, media sites, this increases the aggression behind their words and thoughts.

How can they use media sites as a rightwing recruiting place?

Some of the methods will include the following:

  • They will give misinformation
  • They will create false drama around a topic.
  • They will argue using racism to prove a point.
  • They will argue with anyone that has a differing opinion.
  • They will give their opinion in a populist environment.
  • They will take charge in a discussion and lead it to a different topic of their choosing, usually extremism
  • They will make you believe that they live a whole different way.
  • They will exploit your lack of knowledge about their topics.
  • They attempt to hold discussions about the cleanliness of the German race.
  • They use strategies that include uncertainty and threats.
  • They will also complain loudly that their right to freedom of expression is being taken away, as they remove their posts of racism, hatred, and defamation against others.
  • They consistently deny that the Holocaust existed. They insinuate it is a made up lie.
  • They will vocally downplay any danger from the law and prosecution.
  • They believe that they can demand the loyalty and patriotism form the left wing population.

How should we react to this?

We need to encourage social networks to remove the pages that are involved in rightwing extremist talk. When doing this consistently the right wing extremists will become less active and become discouraged in the long run.

Users should report the right wing extremism.

Discrimination and anti semitism is unacceptable and inhuman.

Blocking criminally motivated sites.

Network site owners depend on users to report pages that are against their terms of use.

Anyone who values the freedom on the internet should stand up with us and report the offensive right wing extremism when you see it.

Do not depend solely on network owners, say something to them so they can delete or remove the offensive speech and page profile.

Many of the social networking sites have banded together to help diminish the racism and extremism portrayed by Nazi and Nazi sympathizers. We also have the right to not put up with the hatred or defamation. We can choose to stand up to those who want to cause damage to others, we can report them to the page owners and possibly the local law enforcement.

Take a stand against the wrong, be there for the one who is being hurt. Do not allow the neo nazi or right wing extremists to say degrading words to anyone around you. Spread good by doing a good deed and lifting one’s feelings up if they have been discriminated against. We are not alone, we have many of our German actors and musicians teaming up with us to help put an end to the discrimination. Remember that Social Networks Against Nazis does not accept racism, discrimination, or any right wing extremist behavior or language on our platforms.