How Netizens Are Pushing Back Against ISIS’ Social Media ‘Propaganda Machine’ - Global Voices Advocacy

2.2.16

How Netizens Are Pushing Back Against ISIS’ Social Media ‘Propaganda Machine’ - Global Voices Advocacy: Despite technological efforts to contain or eliminate their presence on social media, ISIS has amassed substantial power online.

It is difficult to quantify the precise impact of ISIS’ efforts to promote its mission and recruit new members. But some data suggest that it is having an impact. According to a 2015 study by King’s College London's International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation and Political Violence, “the number of foreigners that have joined Sunni militant organizations in the Syria/Iraq conflict continues to rise.” According to ICSR’s latest estimate, “the total now exceeds 20,000 – of which nearly a fifth were residents or nationals of Western European countries.”

Social media platforms have also been in the media spotlight as a key avenue for ISIS to spread its message and recruit new members. Writing for Reuters, security and intelligence expert Rita Katz describes ISIS’ use of social media as a unique within the realm of violent extremist organizations’ activity: