The potential of social media as a means of preventing radicalism in the Muslim religious community

The article discusses the potential of social networks as a means of preventing radicalism in the Muslim religious environment. In this context, the author addresses the characteristics of contemporary radical Islamist ideology and the practices of its dissemination through social networks. It illustrates the forms, methods, means, and technologies used for the propaganda of radical ideas online. Data is provided on the specific activities of extremist activists in the Russian cyberspace, as well as concrete cases that illustrate new threats and risks. In this regard, the prospects for involving Muslim religious figures in creating positive media content aimed at educational and preventive tasks are outlined. This content would be presented in an appealing and interactive format for young audiences, explaining categories of Islamic morality such as justice, respect, and good neighborliness, which are the value foundation of Muslim social behavior. The methodological basis of the research is a systemic approach, along with the principles of interdisciplinarity and polyparadigmaticity. The main research methods include analysis and synthesis, generalization, and descriptive methods as a means of collecting, describing, and structuring empirical data. Contemporary radical movements use not only violence to achieve destructive goals but also what is termed media jihad (media war). In particular, they call on their supporters to create propaganda products using digital technologies and to disseminate them through all available social networks in order to involve young people around the world in extremism and terrorism. Essentially, "media jihad" represents a radical Islamist method of applying "soft power." It serves as a means of propaganda that aims to persuade and engage young people in destructive activities. As analysis of the activities of extremist activists on the global web shows, they "infect" the youth audience with a destructive ideology that cultivates violence and a unique form of hedonism. The scientific novelty of the research lies in justifying the necessity of developing network measures and methods for the primary prevention of radicalism, aimed at creating "immunity" against destructive influences. In this regard, it also substantiates the need to engage Muslim religious figures in creating positive preventive media content that addresses informal educational objectives.