Term Paper on Social Media and Terrorism Recruitment

Global Terrorism

GVPT 406

Abstract

Social Media for Terrorism Recruiting

Shane R. Tyler

July 5, 2015

Shane 1

Abstract:

Terrorist organizations such as Isis, Al Qaeda, and Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis have proven themselves to be fluent on social media sites such as YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and even Tumblr. Social media sites have become an information highway for terrorist organizations which have brought their beliefs and propaganda messages to the internet. Social media sites are now being used as a tool to recruit new members and to increase terrorist organizations stronghold on new foreign soils.

In this paper, I will provide detail accounts as to how terrorist organizations use social media sites to grow their vast following of loyal servants not only within the borders of the United States but within other countries borders as well. The research within this paper will also include the topic of video uploads by different terrorist organizations who successfully use video streams to spread their organizations propaganda potentially creating an influx of new members, some who have even left their home country to go and fight by the side of these terrorist organizations.

In an effort to combat terrorist organizations using the vast abilities of the internet, particularly social media sites, I believe a viable solution is to introduce new legislation within the United States which could monitor and ultimately stop terrorist video feeds from influencing citizens within our borders.