Linguistics for Social Justice & Positive Change Lab

Lab Impact: A Case in Point

To explore the real-world impact of the Lab’s research, consider the Lab Leader’s contribution as a compelling example—demonstrating social, technological, and cultural impact:

From Speech to Security: AI and Linguistics for a Safer Society and Countering Extremism - Charles Darwin University

Key projects and outcomes 

• Corpus Linguistic and AI-Enhanced Threat Detection (2022–2024) 

This project developed advanced methods to detect warning signs in extremist texts, such as language that justifies violence or targets specific identities. Using tools like LIWC, ChatGPT, and AntConc, the research also profiled extremist authors’ writing styles and motivations. These insights support early threat detection and profiling for law enforcement and national security agencies. 

• Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) – From Discourse to Violence (2025–2026) 

Currently in progress, this project analyses over 2 million words of extremist content using AI, psychological frameworks and discourse analysis. It investigates how radicalisation occurs—often fueled by disinformation, conspiracy theories, social polarisation, and emotional manipulation—and how language is used to recruit and mobilise individuals. Findings are being shared with the Department of Home Affairs to inform counter-extremism policy and practitioner training. The project is recognised by the AVERT Research Network as a key contributor to national CVE efforts. 

• Combatting Hate Speech and Promoting Social Cohesion (2024) 

This project examined the mechanics of hate speech, including moral disengagement and identity-based incitement. Dr Etaywe’s article in Australian Quarterly  gained national attention and contributed to public debate on proposed hate speech legislation. He also edited a journal issue on positive discourse, which influenced the design of  Confinity, a new social media platform focused on empathy and emotional well-being. The platform’s founder publicly credited Dr Etaywe’s research for shaping its core values. 

Example of real-world benefit/change the research is creating

• Educator & Practitioner Training:

Frontline professionals are being equipped with AI-driven tools to identify dangerous speech and extremism linked to disinformation, polarisation, and grievance narratives. This supports the Australian Government’s Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE) priorities, as outlined in a Commonwealth contract, by providing both practical resources and deeper conceptual understanding for day-to-day operations.

• Social media platform design, ethics, and their messaging: 

Confinity Inc., USA, CEO and Founder’s testimonial (summarised for purposes of this case) highlights just some of the benefits: 

“Dr Awni Etaywe’s research has had a foundational impact on Confinity—shaping both our values and our practical development as a socially responsible technology company." 

"Awni’s insights directly informed our internal guidelines, especially around messaging, values, and ethical communication. His recommendations weren’t just reviewed—they were implemented. We built our internal messaging guide around his findings, and our team continues to use it daily. His research has shaped how we write, how we onboard users, and how we communicate with emotional sensitivity—particularly when engaging with vulnerable communities." 
 

"His influence goes beyond strategy documents. It’s embedded in our design thinking, our writing style, and our community engagement. I’ve personally drawn on his work to guide decisions about brand direction, product messaging, and ethical standards—especially when navigating sensitive or emotionally charged content."

"Awni’s research is cited in our core values and policy frameworks—not as decoration, but because it gave us the language and clarity to articulate principles we already believed in. In a digital landscape dominated by noise and outrage, he helped us define a path of intentional calm—building something rooted in dignity, memory, and connection."

Associated research and activities that support change/benefit

• Multiple peer-reviewed publications in top journals including Discourse & Society, Language in Society, and Journal of Language Aggression and Conflict.

   

• Featured in a Radio New Zealand interview (Aug 2023) on how hate speech escalates into violence, and New Zealand's Line of Defence Magazine.

   

• Featured on front cover and promoted by Australian Quarterly across media platforms using hashtags like #SocialCohesion, #HateSpeech, and #USElection.

   

• Endorsed by Universities Australia and cited across global security and policy platforms.

   

Looking ahead: Advancing the application of this research through key initiatives
 

• Government and Industry Collaboration:
  Partnering with government agencies and technology companies to co-develop AI-powered early warning systems for detecting online radicalisation and violent extremist-specific threats.

• Training and Capacity Building:
  Expanding training programs for educators, forensic linguists, journalists, and policymakers to help frontline professionals identify and respond to dangerous speech and disinformation using discourse-informed strategies.

• Ethical Digital Design:
  Embedding principles of positive discourse—centred on compassion, empathy, and solidarity—into the design and governance of social media platforms and digital communication systems.
  
  These initiatives aim to translate research into actionable solutions that support Australia’s national security priorities, strengthen democratic resilience, and promote safer, more inclusive digital environments.