AHP Study Examines Social Media Language of Capitol Rioters
AHP’s Innovation team applies cutting-edge research methods to address urgent and emerging challenges in health, safety, and social well-being. In the March 2025 issue of Communications Psychology, the team explored how language patterns in social media posts can reveal behavioral markers linked to real-world violence.
Study Summary:
With political violence on the rise, AHP’s Innovation team—led by Dr. Michael Sofis—used artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze social media posts from individuals involved in the January 6 U.S. Capitol riot. They found that violent offenders used fewer group-oriented words (like “we” or “us”) and less analytical language compared to their nonviolent peers.
This language pattern may serve as an early warning sign in identifying individuals more likely to engage in real-world violence. The research is part of a growing effort to use AI responsibly to detect credible threats before harm occurs, supporting proactive public safety strategies rooted in data.
Citation:
Kirshenbaum, A. P., Cunningham, G., Mudd, L., Sofis, M. J., & Pennebaker, J. W. (2025). Online language of violent rioters displayed weak group affiliation preceding the U.S. Capitol Breach. Communications Psychology, 3, Article 46. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44271-025-00232-7
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Advocates for Human Potential, Inc. (AHP) creates powerful solutions to improve health and human services systems. By partnering with the federal government, states, municipalities, healthcare systems, and nonprofits, we help people experiencing the greatest disadvantages lead full and productive lives. We are national leaders in training and technical assistance, research and evaluation, publishing, and dedicated consulting. On issues from workforce development to mental health, substance use disorders to housing and homelessness, we help our clients enhance behavioral health care through systems change. AHP was founded nearly 40 years ago to develop solutions for some of the biggest social infrastructure challenges across the nation. Our company has offices in metro Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Tampa. Find out more at www.ahpnet.com.
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