Radicalice

Radicalice is a neologism in media studies and psychology that denotes a pattern by which individuals’ beliefs become rapidly more radical as a result of interactive reinforcement within online information environments. The concept highlights how exposure to highly polarized content, confirmation biases, social endorsement cues, and algorithmic recommendation can create feedback loops that harden attitudes and narrow consideration of alternatives.

Origin and usage: The term blends radical and ice, used metaphorically to suggest a chilling or solidifying of views. Usage is limited and remains contested; it is found chiefly in theoretical discussions and some case studies of online extremism rather than as a widely adopted sociological label.

Mechanisms: Radicalice emphasizes the role of digital platforms in shaping belief dynamics, including selective exposure, echo chambers, rapid social endorsement, and micro-interactions such as comment threads and share metrics. It focuses on the speed and rigidity of belief change compared with broader processes of radicalization.

Relation to radicalization: The term is often discussed alongside radicalization but is not universally accepted as a distinct phenomenon. Some scholars treat radicalice as a specific, platform-driven acceleration of radicalization, while others view it as overlapping with established concepts.

Criticism and usage: Critics argue that the term can be vague or redundant with existing literature on online radicalization; proponents maintain it helps describe the rapid reinforcement dynamics in digital ecosystems.

See also: radicalization, online extremism, echo chamber, filter bubble, algorithmic amplification.