Spores of Belief: A Systems-Based Model for Understanding and Interrupting Narrative Extremism

“Spores of Belief” is a systems-based research study that models the spread of extremist ideologies as living, mycelial networks—an evolution beyond static psychological models. By analyzing how narrative extremism proliferates through digital ecosystems like fungal spores, this framework offers a groundbreaking lens to map, track, and disrupt ideological contagion in real time. As radicalization increasingly threatens communities and public discourse, this model provides urgently needed tools for digital defense, policy, and deprogramming strategies.