A critical use of ISIS' use of social media (original) (raw)
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The drastic advances in digital and communication technologies have acted as the pillars of our modern society, by governing the dynamics of cyberspace and providing endless opportunities for connecting people via deflating concepts such as time and distance. Alongside with the Internet, mass media and social media outlets have facilitated the processes of globalization, removing any previously perceived geographical barriers. Yet, the very same mechanisms, which have transformed our community and have catalyzed socio-economic and political movements, have also been recognized by terrorist organizations and exploited in the pursuit of their objectives. From the expansion of extremist groups and their worldwide recruitment policies, it has become evident that the threat of terrorism is not restricted to its region of origin anymore. The mass use of Internet and social media has obscured the borders of extremism and has imposed an undeniable menace to global peace. Modern technologies have moved forward groups’ objectives and accelerated the process of radicalization. Information sharing has assisted in the dissemination of extremist beliefs across the globe at a faster pace and has appeared as an important tool in the radicalization of individuals and their subsequent recruitment as terrorists. Owing to the accessibility, availability, affordability, and wide reach of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, YouTube and Telegram, terrorist organizations have progressively taken advantage of these platforms to convey their agenda and achieve their goals.
Making the Most of (Un)mediated Web: The Social Media (Counter)Terrorism Battleground
Social media has become an increasingly important tool in the extremists' handbook. In particular, Instagram has become a major platform for the public relations posts of Syria’s Assad regime, which has been classified as a state sponsor of terrorism since 1979. Additionally, Assad has employed public relations tactics through social media apparatuses in order to overcome the poor conception that Western / international governing bodies have of the regime’s recent actions, while also attempting to lessen the impact of ISIS’s (mainly social, as well) media campaign against them. These virtual combatants have become successful enough in creating a negative image of the Assads that it has necessitated an employment of rhetorical techniques on social media by the regime, which has attempted and failed to deflect criticism while building a community of adherents that add to their overall social capital.
Cyberterrorism 2 0 or terrorist use of social media: the Islamic State case
2020
Cyberspace has become a common source of international security threats, especially after September 11. The emergence and popularisation of so-called social media have enhanced the militancy of the most diverse groups, including terrorist ones. This article problematises international terrorism, pointing out the causes and effects of this 21 st- century phenomenon that we name cyberterrorism 2.0. Thus, we focus on the cyberterrorism studies that analyse social media usage's inputs and outputs by terrorist groups. Through Webometrics and the framework Stakeholders, Activities and Motives in the realm of cybersecurity (SAM), we aim to explain, in the light of International Security Studies and through the Islamic State case study, how cyberterrorism 2.0 arises, develops and impacts national security.
Social Media and Terrorism: Threats and Challenges to the Modern Era
South Asian Survey, 2018
Terrorism, using the social media, has become one of the most concerning issues across the world. There is interplay between home-grown terrorist groups and international terrorist organisations which is playing the central role in accelerating the situations. Terrorist organisations are using social media platforms for recruiting, training and communicating with their followers, supporters, donors, as it is cheaper, easier, faster and effective method of communication. The members of the terrorist organisations are spreading their ideological thoughts, propaganda and their activities, not only to South Asia but also to the world, using social media platforms. Through qualitative analysing, this article will find out how terrorist groups are using social media platforms, especially in South Asia, threatening the peace and security of the countries. While discussing the present conditions of the South Asian countries, this article emphasises on Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. This article will also explain some policy recommendations that can be very useful for the fight against terrorism in the social media platforms.
Revista Brasileira de Estudos de Defesa (RBED), 2020
Cyberspace has become a common source of international security threats, especially after September 11. The emergence and popularisation of so-called social media have enhanced the militancy of the most diverse groups, including terrorist ones. This article problematises international terrorism, pointing out the causes and effects of this 21st-century phenomenon that we name Cyberterrorism 2.0. Thus, we focus on the cyberterrorism studies that analyse social media usage’s inputs and outputs by terrorist groups. Through Webometrics and the framework Stakeholders, Activities and Motives in the realm of cybersecurity (SAM), we aim to explain, in the light of International Security Studies and through the Islamic State case study, how Cyberterrorism 2.0 arises, develops and impacts national security.