Far-right social media usage in Europe
The use of social media platforms by the far right has exploded over the last decade. From hate-filled youtube channels, to encrypted broadcast lists provoking violence, fascists across Europe have been quick to realise the potential of these widely-used platforms in disseminating their message, building their movement and mobilising their supporters. But how far has this spread, and what responsibility should the huge tech multinationals take for the hate spread on their platforms? In this article James Poulter charts the rise of fascist social media, in the UK, and then across Europe, and speaks to antifascist organisations trying to contain this new threat.
A Brief History of Far-Right Movements in Russia
The first far-right groups, and specifically the neo-Nazis, appeared in the USSR back in the 1950s. Schoolchildren and kids from the families of party officials became involved in neo-Nazi groups, as they were attracted to the aesthetics of Nazism with its parades, the cult of the beautiful body and neoclassical architecture. For this, they were called “stilyagi”. Researchers also distinguish a group of “politicians” – adult far-right dissidents who were attracted specifically to the cult of Adolf Hitler.
