The definition of Cyberterrorism is not limited to the use of the internet to commit violent acts of terrorism. It also includes the use of the internet to communicate with other terrorist elements and recruit new members. The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria created the modern-day template of how to augment a terrorist apparatus using social media. ISIS was not the first terrorist organization to use social media to recruit; Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) had used social media in this vein for over a decade. However, the proof of ISIS’ effectiveness is shown in the estimated 40,000 volunteers which joined their ranks since 2014.
Another way in which ISIS saw success in its online recruitment was its concerted effort to target groups most susceptible to radicalization. As a result, ISIS specifically targeted male Muslim twenty-somethings. Aside from media showing combat and executions, ISIS Twitter accounts as well as its digital magazines included content suggesting that potential recruits would also find comradeship and a place where they would fit in. The terrorist organization distributed this content in multiple versions in languages to reach out to a truly global audience In addition, ISIS was able to embark on these marketing and recruitment initiatives for little to no cost.
Ron,
Yes, both al-Qaeda and ISIS have been highly effective in disseminating PR and recruitment material via the Internet. I agree that the response that ISIS got was unbelievable, though I suspect that the message also was spread word-of-mouth through mosques, etc. It is extremely important that the West, as well as all Muslim countries that do not support the violent Jihadist agenda (which is most), find ways to counteract this destructive use of the Internet. It can be done, but it will take a concerted effort–and it will cost $$.
–Professor Wallerstein