Digital Conflict Research: How Does It Work?
Political debate is strongly influenced by networks that take shape in online spaces – and by dynamics that gain momentum through them. The way processes of radicalization and polarization take place can no longer be explained without the mechanisms of the digital public sphere(s). With Machine Against the Rage (MATR), we offer an academic format specifically dedicated to this multilayered problem area. In particular, it focuses on phenomena that are discussed under the terms »hate« and »disinformation«. We examine digital conflicts with digital means: also called machine data.
Critical Perspectives
We rely on a combination of data science, discursive network analysis, and social-scientific research. This allows us to analyze trends in the relationships between relevant online actors and the interaction patterns of digital communication – empirically saturated, theoretically grounded. MATR also stands for critical social analysis, particulary of web related phenomena: We understand »hate« and »disinformation« as contested concepts and their application in (internet) politics as an object of digital conflicts. It is essential to consider the normative orders that guide perceptions, interpretations, and actions in disputes over them.
Team: Ann-Kathrin Benner (Project Coordinator) | Wyn Brodersen (Research Fellow) | Christian Donner (Senior Data Scientist) | Maik Fielitz (Head of Research) | Mona Gusinde (Student Assistant) | Leila Al-Kuwaiti (Administration) | Holger Marcks (Research Editor) | Franziska Martini (Research Fellow) | Michael Schmidt (IT) | Harald Sick (Research Fellow). → More information
Structure and Functioning
The team consists of data scientists and social scientists with expertise in polarization and radicalization – especially right-wing extremism, Islamism, and left-wing radicalism – combined with know-how from network analysis and the sociology of technology. We are supported by a scientific advisory board. Its members offer guidance on the direction of the project, provide one consultant per issue and are involved in the review processes. In addition to the journal itself, we also publish analyses in our blog (Engine Room). Studies are either produced in-house or in collaboration with partners. MATR is also open to guest contributions.
Advisory Board: Prof. Dr. Emese Domahidi (TU Ilmenau) | PD Dr. Jan Fuhse (University of Leipzig) | Dr. Annett Heft (EKU Tübingen) | Dr. Amélie Heldt (Hans Bredow Institute) | Prof Dr. Sophia Hunger (University of Bremen) | Dr. Gerret von Nordheim (Spiegel) | Dr. Janina Pawelz (IFSH Hamburg) | Prof. Dr. Matthias Quent (Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences) | Prof. Dr. Diana Rieger (LMU Munich) | Dr. Manès Weisskircher (TU Dresden). Chair: Dr. Pablo Jost (JGU Mainz). → More information
MATR 2.0
Based at the BAG »Gegen Hass im Netz« since 2022, MATR was transferred to the IDZ as part of the »Network against online hate and disinformation« in 2025. With the relaunch, the journal is no longer published quarterly, but biannually, with its thematic columns being revised. In particular, the monitoring system will have a broader focus, being presented in the Radar with a new arrangement. The same goes for our dashboard, which provides ongoing insights into the networks of actors we monitor. Our policy briefs (Essentials) will also continue to present condensed findings. Additionally, there is the blog, where we pre-publish journal articles and provide more recent analysis.