Summary: The Influence Of Social Media On Terrorism

The destructive ability of terrorist groups continues to grow steadily and terrorists have for years proved to be proficient at using modern technology for their own interests. Security personnel world over have on the other hand used technology to combat the ever increasing threat. New and improved technologies have also been invented to try and counter terrorism which has now become a global threat. Mobile phones and the internet have mostly been used by these terror groups to spread propaganda and popularize their agenda, recruit, radicalize and train new members, plan and coordinate attacks and to also solicit for funds from sympathizers.

The internet has been one of the tools that have been used by terrorist groups to further their purposes. Terrorists mainly use the internet to disseminate propaganda. The social media (twitter, facebook and whatsapp) has for long been used by terrorists to spread propaganda. The social media is fast becoming one of their most powerful weapons. They post images, videos and messages about their doctrine which are mainly untruths meant to show that they are superior, gain

Through the social media, terrorist groups are able to recruit new members without geographical limitations. That’s why a terror group such as ISIS is able to recruit members from as far as Africa, the US or Australia online. The internet provides propaganda and a wealth of materials that the terrorists groups or their supporters put out with an aim or brainwashing the young people and making them believe that their doctrine is true. These groups target the young people who mostly feel discriminated against by the authorities and are susceptible to the terror groups’ messages and propaganda that carry the fake promise of belonging and purpose. This has contributed to the rapid growth of the membership of these terror groups in every corner of the