Cyber Terrorismon Social Media Platforms: The Islamic State (ISIS) Model

Abstract

The Islamic State, known as ISIS for short, has sparked great controversy after its rapid and remarkable rise to the top of the armed organizations that describe themselves as jihadist. This organization is distinguished from the rest of the organizations by the development of its propaganda methods that rely on the remarkable use of modern technologies. Therefore, this article aims to study the advanced technological propaganda methods of this organization, and to demonstrate the tools and methods for exploiting cyberspace to recruit, spread its ideology, and gain supporters and volunteers within its ranks. This is done by adopting a case study approach that focuses on the Islamic State organization as a distinct analytical model, as well as the content analysis technique that is indispensable in dismantling the propaganda discourse adopted by the organization across various social media platforms.