Atran says ISIS, working through existing social networks, is adept at leveraging idealism: A recent survey of ISIS social media found their foreign followers are often adolescents or young adults.
Taking away the genocidal aspects of ISIS the methodology they use is strikingly similar to any grass roots movement. Looking at Reddit you see the kind of extremist mentalities that can form when a group of people (general young) find groups that support their ideologies and offer "safe space" for self-expression no matter how radical.
Atran is skeptical that preaching moderation works. He says that strategy doesn't address the longing young people have for greater meaning. He suggests efforts to counter radicalization should draw on the same methods ISIS uses—leveraging peer networks to help people find their place in the world, and giving young people opportunities for a purpose greater than themselves.
This is where I...kind of disagree? I'm not too sure yet but hear me out. Most of us grow out of the rebellious "No one understands me" phases of our youth. We get older, get a bit more responsibility, and become more moderate as we age; finding our place in the world through our endeavours. I think this is a normal growth process. These youth, however, are choosing to join a dangerous organization that speaks openly of murder, rape, and a very twisted version of spiritual warfare.
They aren't joining holy roller snake-handlers, falling into the aisles speaking in tongues or heading off to monasteries or to study Sufism. There is a HUGE difference between trying to find an identity by listening to Depeche Mode for a few years while smoking cloves and joining a gang of murderous thugs. And ISIS is a gang. ISIS are thugs. I highly doubt we'd be offering this same level of "empathy" if these kids were joining the Bloods, MS-13, or the Aryan Nation.
At this point, the article is right, preaching moderation isn't going to work and in a society that is held together delicately by the social contracts we have made with each other, I don't think anything should be offered for this kind of betrayal. They're, essentially, attempting to destroy the society that has fed, clothed, and nursed them; provided them with education and for many of these youths; safety.
I guess I find it hard to empathize with these individuals at all and that is probably a gross failing on my part.