Prank Responses Skew Extremism Polls

Opt‑in and lightly screened surveys can be flooded with unserious or trolling answers that inflate shocking findings (e.g., claiming nuclear‑submarine licenses or absurd traits). When these instruments then ask about 'support for political violence,' they can create a false picture of mass extremism. Media and policymakers should demand validation checks and probability samples before treating such results as real attitudes. — It warns that mismeasured public opinion can warp narratives and policy about democratic stability and violence risk.