Identity fusion, a psychological phenomenon where personal and group identities merge, lies at the heart of extreme pro-group behavior, ranging from acts of heroism to suicide terrorism. Decades of research involving interviews, surveys, and experiments with diverse groups, from tribal warriors to football hooligans, have illuminated the factors that drive individuals to sacrifice everything for their group. This fusion manifests when individuals perceive their personal identity as completely enveloped by their group identity, a bond so strong they are willing to endure any hardship or risk for the collective good. A simple visual test, where participants choose overlapping circles to represent their relationship with a group, identifies those highly fused individuals who prioritize the group’s welfare above their own.
The evolutionary basis for such profound group allegiance likely stems from the instinct to protect kin, exemplified by birds feigning injury to distract predators from their young. However, human behavior extends beyond kinship, encompassing fierce loyalty to larger, non-genetically related groups. This unique human trait, originating in prehistoric tribal societies bonded by shared experiences like initiations, hunts, and battles, has been amplified in the modern era through the pervasive reach of media, including social media. The ability to witness and share experiences of suffering, even from afar, expands the scope of shared ordeal, fostering fusion among geographically dispersed individuals.
The radicalization process, once dependent on traditional media like newspapers, as illustrated by the case of a Jemaah Islamiyah leader influenced by reports of the Soviet-Afghan war, is now significantly fueled by social media. The immediacy and immersive nature of online content, particularly videos depicting suffering in conflict zones, creates a potent sense of shared experience, accelerating the development of fusion among viewers. Smartphones and instant communication shrink the world, enabling shared experiences to transcend geographical boundaries and rapidly spread across massive populations, creating a sense of collective identity and shared purpose.
However, shared suffering alone does not inevitably lead to violent extremism. Our research indicates that three additional factors contribute to this dangerous mix: perceived outgroup threat, demonization of the enemy, and the perceived absence of peaceful solutions. When a group feels threatened, it strengthens in-group bonds and fosters animosity towards the perceived source of the threat. Demonization further dehumanizes the outgroup, making violence against them seem more justifiable. Finally, when peaceful resolutions appear unattainable, violent extremism becomes a seemingly inevitable, albeit tragic, recourse.
The case of Gaza provides a stark illustration. The widespread dissemination of videos depicting civilian suffering amplifies the sense of shared ordeal and strengthens fusion among those witnessing the events. This, coupled with a perceived lack of peaceful solutions and the demonization of the opposing side, creates a fertile ground for violent extremism. The cycle of violence, fueled by shared suffering, perceived threat, and a lack of viable alternatives, escalates, making peaceful resolution increasingly elusive.
Therefore, understanding and addressing the complex interplay of these factors – shared suffering, outgroup threat, demonization, and the perceived absence of peaceful alternatives – is crucial in mitigating the rise of violent extremism. Simply addressing the suffering, while critical, is insufficient. Efforts aimed at promoting peaceful solutions, reducing intergroup animosity, and challenging dehumanizing narratives are essential to breaking the cycle and fostering a more peaceful future. This requires not only addressing the immediate causes of suffering but also challenging the underlying narratives that fuel extremism and fostering a sense of shared humanity that transcends group boundaries.
