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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