The College of Science – Medical Physics Department – at Future University held a scientific seminar to discuss the topic “The Conspiracy of Technology and Social Media in Spreading Extremist Ideology.”<br /><br />Participants:<br /><br />Dr. Feryal Ibrahim Jabar<br />Asst. Lecturer Lubna Ali Jalil<br />Asst. Lecturer Sukaina Talib Khairallah<br />Asst. Lecturer Fatima Basim<br />Afrah Hussein Jihad<br />This seminar tackled one of the most sensitive issues affecting modern societies: the role of digital technology, particularly social media, in promoting extremist ideologies and recruiting individuals, posing a significant threat to social and national security.<br /><br />Studies indicate that extremist groups exploit smart algorithms on social media platforms to target specific user groups, especially young people. They manipulate their interests and emotions through emotionally charged or provocative content that incites hatred and violence. Encrypted applications and private groups also serve as secret channels for communication, recruitment, and spreading extremist ideology away from surveillance. The most alarming aspect of this issue is that these processes often go unnoticed, as the manipulation of content happens gradually, leading individuals into extremism without them even realizing it.<br /><br />To counter these challenges, the seminar participants proposed several solutions, including enhancing digital awareness among individuals, particularly the youth, to help them distinguish between reliable and misleading content. They also emphasized the need to develop regulatory mechanisms on social media platforms to monitor suspicious activities without compromising freedom of expression. Additionally, experts called for a stronger role for educational and media institutions in promoting values of tolerance and coexistence as an alternative to the extremist discourse dominating the internet.<br /><br />At the conclusion of the seminar, several key recommendations were presented, including launching digital awareness campaigns to combat extremist ideologies and strengthening cooperation between governments and technology companies to prevent the misuse of the internet for spreading hate speech. Moreover, the importance of creating positive content that promotes peace and coexistence was highlighted, ensuring it serves as an attractive alternative to extremist content, thereby reducing its influence on society<br />"AL_mustaqbal University is the first university in Iraq"