Media scholar Dr. Ofra Klein of the Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication has been awarded a €320,000 Veni grant from the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO). The Veni grant is intended to fund innovative scientific research and thereby give these researchers the opportunity to develop as independent researchers.
About the research
How does the Far-Right Adapt to Content Moderation?
Social media platforms have become key spaces for the far-right to disseminate harmful content, including hate speech and disinformation. While platforms moderate such content, a significant amount remains visible online. This study investigates how far-right activists continue to propagate extremist messages despite these moderation efforts of platforms. Through interviews, social media analysis, and case studies, this Veni project explores the interplay between platform moderation and the adaptive tactics used by the far-right to bypass moderation measures. The findings will provide valuable insights that could inform strategies for reducing harmful content and fostering a safer online environment.
About dr. Ofra Klein
Ofra Klein is an Assistant Professor in Mediatisation and Digitalisation within the Erasmus School of History, Culture, and Communication (ESHCC) at Erasmus University Rotterdam. Her primary research focuses on the radical right and online political mobilization. Holding a PhD in Political and Social Sciences from the European University Institute, she has previously held academic positions at the Scuola Normale Superiore, the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society at Harvard University, and VU University Amsterdam. Her work has appeared in international journals such as European Societies, Information, Communication & Society, and the Journal of Information Technology & Politics. She participates, through her research and teaching, in the SSH-Breed programme The Digital Society.
About the Veni grant
The Veni-grant, together with the Vidi and Vici grants, is part of the NWO-Talent Programme. The NWO Talent Programme gives researchers the freedom to conduct their own research based on creativity and passion. NWO selects researchers based on the scientific quality and innovative nature of the research proposal, the scientific and/or societal impact of the proposed project and the quality of the researcher.
The programme encourages innovation and curiosity. Free research contributes to and prepares us for tomorrow's society. This is why NWO focuses on a diversity of scientists, domains and backgrounds.
- Researcher
- More information
For more information, please contact Julia Wetsteijn, press officer at ESHCC via wetsteijn@eshcc.eur.nl.
