Young women under pressure: increase in Islam conversions in Austria

Young women under pressure: increase in Islam conversions in Austria

Deutschland - In recent years there is a worrying development in Austria: more and more young people convert from Christianity to Islam. This movement not only attracts society's attention, but also arouses concerns among parents and family members, especially among young women, who make a particularly high proportion of the conversions. According to a report by the "Profile" magazine, around 200 people have contacted the extremism advice center in the past three years, as the head Verena Fabris reports.

The conversions often happen overnight and gain dynamics, especially through social media. Platforms such as Tikok and Instagram, where Islamic influencers are active, have a significant impact on this development. A prominent example is Hanna Hansen, a German influencer with over 144,000 followers on Tiktok, who converted to Islam a few years ago. Hansen was previously a physiotherapist, model, DJ and boxer and kickboxer before ending her sporting career to devote herself intensely to Islam. She has published a book about Islam and organizes pilgrimages to Mecca.

influence of social media

The increasing role of social media in these conversions is undeniable. initiatives such as reality Islam, Muslim interactive and generation of Islam address current social and political issues and use them to gain young people for Islamist narrative. These groups reach several thousand to ten thousand users on social networks: inside, emotionalize conflicts such as the Middle East conflict or the war in Ukraine to create a connection between the conflicts and their religious agenda. Scientists and experts express concerns that such emotionally charged content could make young people more susceptible to extremist ideas, since they are often caught in a dualistic worldview.

In addition, Islamist actors have adapted their strategies on the Internet. While the Corona pandemic is forcing many of them to become active online, platforms such as Tikok and Instagram have replaced Facebook and Twitter as central channels for Islamist propaganda. On these platforms, visually appealing content is often shared, which take up current social and political issues and promote the narrative of a supposed conspiracy of the "West" against Islam.

risk factors and prevention measures

The rapid distribution of Islamist content on social media harbors numerous risks. Many of the young people who strive for lightning conversion may be particularly vulnerable and could easily get into the catch of Islamist hate preachers. In addition, the representation of the West as an enemy is further reinforced by populist and right views, which can lead to conflicts of loyalty in young Muslim: inside. Experts therefore demand that critical arguments with these topics are necessary to clarify the complexity of the situation and to enable young people to participate in society.

In addition, prevention measures must start early to promote media literacy of young people and to sensitize them to Islamist ideologies. It is crucial that schools and educational institutions actively tackle discrimination and prejudices in order to better prepare future generations for such challenges.

The situation is complex and requires growing awareness of the inner -social dynamics that result from digital cultures and increasing radicalization. The increasing influence of Islamist ideologies can only be countered by education and suitable prevention strategies.

For further information, see the reporting of Exxpress.at href = "https://www.bpb.de/themen/infodienst/519310/islamistischesmungungungsmache-in-den-zial-medien/"> bpb.de and bpb.de .