When the Gaming Ecosystem Becomes a Field of Exploitation by Extremists

In a recent article in Kathimerini, journalist Alexia Kalaitzi presents the findings of the GEMS research through her discussion with ELIAMEP researchers Bledar Feta and Vasiliki Kotsikopoulou. 

The research highlights how extremist groups attempt to exploit the online gaming ecosystem, a space where millions of young people play, communicate, and build communities, in order to approach individuals and disseminate harmful ideologies and narratives.

The article sheds light on:

• The mechanisms of approach used by extremists on online gaming platforms
• The vulnerabilities within digital communities that enable exploitation
• The reasons why young people are often targeted
• The importance of awareness and prevention

Click here to read the article in Greek.

From Research to Action: ELIAMEP’s Awareness Event for the Presentation of the GEMS Guide

Building on the research findings and the broader awareness-raising campaign implemented within the framework of the GEMS Project, the Wider Europe Programme of ELIAMEP South-East Europe Programme with Europe Direct ELIAMEP Attica as a communication partner, is organising today a timely and open-to-the-public event.

The event seeks to address two critical questions:

• How safe are the digital spaces where young people interact every day?
• In what ways can we strengthen the resilience of players, parents, and educators against risks of extremist exploitation?

What will be presented?

The discussion will highlight:

• How extremists exploit online gaming communities?
• The challenges faced by players, parents, and educators?
• Practical solutions for safer gaming?
• Opportunities for creating more inclusive digital spaces?

A central part of the event is the presentation of the new GEMS Guide for parents, educators, and players, which translates scientific findings into practical, everyday tools, without alarmism or stigmatization of gaming communities.

Why attend?

The event is addressed to:

• parents who want to better understand the digital world of their children,
• educators seeking modern prevention tools,
• players interested in the safety of their communities,
• professionals and policymakers,
• and every citizen who cares about a safer and more resilient digital world.

Through data, examples, and open dialogue, the event aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of a phenomenon that affects not only the gaming environment but also the broader ways in which our societies interact and evolve in the digital sphere.

We invite you to take part in a discussion that connects research with practice and concerns everyone interested in the safety of digital communities.

Image: Unsplash