The corporate media is far more powerful than social media in inciting extremism

When the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) this week lifted Australia’s national terrorism threat level, you’d be forgiven for thinking it was because of social media: multiple mainstream media outlets emphasised that social media was driving extremism.

The head of ASIO, Mike Burgess, indeed mentioned social media — albeit only once — and referred to “the internet and social media — the primary platform for radicalisation”. But Burgess also said two other things of interest:

Anti-authority beliefs are growing. Trust in institutions is eroding. Provocative, inflammatory behaviours are being normalised … This is really a matter for everyone — community leaders, politicians, the media — watch your words, watch your actions.