Abstract
In this paper, we explore the challenging domain of detecting online extremism in user-generated content on social media platforms, leveraging the power of Machine Learning (ML). We employ six distinct ML and present a comparative analysis of their performance. Recognizing the diverse and complex nature of social media content, we probe how ML can discern extremist sentiments hidden in the vast sea of digital communication. Our study is unique, situated at the intersection of linguistics, computer science, and sociology, shedding light on how coded language and intricate networks of online communication contribute to the propagation of extremist ideologies. The goal is twofold: not only to perfect detection strategies, but also to increase our understanding of how extremism proliferates in digital spaces. We argue that equipping machine learning algorithms with the ability to analyze online content with high accuracy is crucial in the ongoing fight against digital extremism. In conclusion, our findings offer a new perspective on online extremism detection and contribute to the broader discourse on the responsible use of ML in society.