ISOvereisten

ISOvereisten is a hypothetical term used in discussions of online extremism and ideological movements to denote a pattern of over-identification with a cause, combined with aggressive public advocacy. In this usage, "IS" stands for the identity-based stance of the movement, while "overeisten" (from Dutch, meaning to overreach or overextend) signals the tendency to push commitments beyond what external circumstances would justify. The term is not widely standardized and appears in some scholarly and analytic writing as a way to describe a specific set of dynamics.

Core features attributed to ISOvereisten include rapid mobilization around a cause, high intensity in public discourse, insistence on absolutist positions, and a preference for performative, attention-grabbing messaging. It often correlates with insular information ecosystems, decreased tolerance for nuance, and escalation of demands. The phenomenon can contribute to polarization, reduced avenues for reform, and challenges for moderation efforts in online platforms.

In research and policy contexts, ISOvereisten is treated as a lens rather than a defined movement, used to examine how identity claims interact with information saturation and group dynamics. Critics argue that the term risks vagueness or conflation with broader radicalization processes, and suggest it should be applied with clear operational criteria.

See also: radicalization, online extremism, echo chamber, misinformation, social identity theory.