Unmasking Digital Tribalism & How Hate Spreads Online | Joel Finkelstein, Network Contagion Research Institute

Unmasking Digital Tribalism & How Hate Spreads Online | Joel Finkelstein, Network Contagion Research Institute

Author: Hindu American Foundation April 23, 2026 Duration: 37:14

In this insightful interview, Suhag Shukla speaks with Joel Finkelstein from the Network Contagion Research Institute. They discuss the spread of anti-Indian and anti-Hindu hate online, the shift from policy debate to radicalized rhetoric, and strategies for community resilience. Discover how digital tribalism fuels misinformation and what communities can do to foster understanding and safety.


Read more: 

https://networkcontagion.us 

https://networkcontagion.us/reports/from-policy-drift-to-purity-grift-how-a-small-network-hijacked-the-immigration-debate/



Chapters


00:00 Introduction to Digital Tribalism and Hate Speech

02:47 From Policy Drift to Purity Grift

05:55 The Role of Social Media in Amplifying Hate

08:58 Understanding the Immigration Debate and Its Impact

11:45 Cultural Contributions of the Indian Community

14:43 The Generational Shift in Community Engagement

17:41 Recurring Tropes in Anti-Indian Sentiment

20:38 The Intersection of Anti-Indian and Anti-Semitic Rhetoric

23:34 The Political Pendulum and Its Effects on Hate Speech

26:32 The Need for Community Awareness and Action

29:26 Proactive Solutions for Addressing Hate

32:36 Conclusion and Call to Action


Keywords


digital tribalism, hate speech, anti-Indian hate, social media influence, community resilience, misinformation, immigration debate, online extremism, social media algorithms, community building


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Exploring the vibrant intersection of ancient tradition and modern American life, That's So Hindu offers a series of conversations that feel more like insightful dialogues than formal interviews. Each episode sits down with a diverse range of voices-from entrepreneurs and activists to artists, professors, and policymakers-to uncover the personal and profound ways Hindu philosophy and culture influence their daily actions and broader contributions to society. This podcast, presented by the Hindu American Foundation, delves into how timeless principles like dharma, seva, and mindfulness are being lived out in contemporary careers, creative pursuits, and community engagement. Listeners will hear personal narratives and thoughtful reflections that challenge stereotypes, offering a nuanced look at identity, spirituality, and resilience. The discussions naturally reveal how these individuals navigate their dual heritage, integrating spiritual grounding into their work in technology, social justice, the arts, and academia. It’s a unique auditory space where the richness of Hindu thought meets the complex tapestry of American experience, providing depth and perspective often missing from mainstream conversations. Through these authentic stories, the podcast builds a compelling portrait of a dynamic community, its values, and its evolving impact.
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