“Autoplay got me there”: How YouTube’s algorithm built a following for fascist group Patriotic Alternative
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 6-May-2026 20:16 ET (7-May-2026 00:16 GMT/UTC)
YouTube’s algorithm contributed to the political radicalisation of members of the fascist group Patriotric Alternative (PA), finds research by Dr Tony Karas, criminologist at City St George’s, University of London. He analysed 40 PA activists recounting their political conversion and found:
- 82.5% credited social media in their conversion
- 67.5% cited YouTube specifically
From benign conservative and libertarian content (e.g. Ben Shapiro), the algorithm’s autoplay function nudged viewers towards neo-Nazi content.
Physics pioneer Dr. Marlan Scully explores how century-old ideas are now lasers, quantum computers and detectors that can find ripples in spacetime.
Political published writing retains an “important and complex role” in the national conversation – despite huge social and technological changes this century, a new book shows.
Cities profoundly shape how animals interact with one another. A new comprehensive review by researchers at Bielefeld University shows that urbanisation alters animal social behaviour – from mate choice to group living. The findings are striking and highly relevant for conservation and urban planning.
Being close to someone with a gambling problem puts you at risk of developing a gambling issue of your own, according to new research involving the University of Bath in the UK. Strong family relationships can help reduce this risk, however friendships do not appear to confer the same protection.