Analysis of the use of social media by jihadists.
Insurgent groups were early adopters of social media in the Middle East. The technology allows instant, interactive communication between people without geographical limits and enables mass dissemination of any visual, oral or written message. Initially, jihadists primarily used it for propaganda purposes, but the diffusion of mobile technology and software applications has meant they increasingly use it to reach out directly to potential recruits. More importantly, they use social media as a force multiplier in their military operations. The Islamic State group (ISG) has elevated the use of social media to a new level by combining the use of all these different functions.
ISG will disseminate grim imagery and shocking acts of violence in order to sustain its momentum and project power.
Private hacker groups, such as the Anonymous hackers collective, will increasingly track and disable jihadi accounts.
Governments could use crowd-sourcing to aid counter-radicalisation efforts.
