‘The Five Eyes’ warns the internet is grooming the next dangerous threat

Military veterans are sounding the alarm about a growing threat to national security: the online radicalization of American youth through violent video games, social media algorithms, and extremist content masquerading as entertainment.

With combat experience and firsthand knowledge of the dangers of desensitization and dehumanization, veterans are urging action as digital platforms increasingly serve as gateways to dangerous ideologies. The spread of violent imagery, hate speech, and even bomb-making tutorials has raised concerns that young users may not be equipped to distinguish between simulated fantasy and real-world consequences.

The Five Eyes intelligence alliance—made up of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand—issued a joint warning in December that radicalized minors can pose the same credible threat as adult terrorists. The coalition called for coordinated efforts to counter online extremism, citing its ability to exploit vulnerable users and rapidly escalate harmful behavior.

Analysts say online platforms often prioritize engagement over safety, creating algorithmic echo chambers that normalize violence and hate. These environments can isolate young people from differing viewpoints and reinforce dangerous narratives.

Veterans, emphasizing their continued commitment to protecting the country, are encouraging communities to stay alert. They advocate for proactive conversations with young people, regular check-ins, and a critical examination of the content being consumed at home.

The threat of radicalization, they argue, is not a distant or foreign problem—it is already present in bedrooms and basements across the United States, fueled by technology and misinformation. Vigilance and awareness, they say, are now essential tools in safeguarding the next generation.