TRENDS Study on the extremist groups' mechanisms of using social media and means to confront them.

Trends Research and Advisory released a study entitled "Extremist Groups' use of Social Media... Mechanisms and Means of Confrontation", which addresses the reasons for the terrorist organizations’ intensive use of social media, and how to confront this phenomenon and reduce its possible risks.

The study, prepared by Sharifa AlRaeesi, Director of research consulting, indicates that social media is a cheap, easy and effective means through which terrorist groups can spread their ideas, communicate with their followers, supporters and donors, as well as launch sabotage cyberattacks.

The study identifies a set of mechanisms through which the concerned authorities can confront the misuse of social media by terrorist groups, including strengthening international cooperation in confronting the ideological use of digital platforms and electronic applications that spread extremist and destructive ideology. There is a need to develop a long-term strategy that combines undermining the misuse of social media, mainly the spread of violence, terrorism, extremism and hatred, and preventing the promotion of these ideas.  The role of religious, educational and media institutions in confronting extremist ideas should be activated, and focus should be on perpetuating the concepts of moderation and tolerance.

The study stresses the significance of the international community united effort at all levels, legislative, media, educational, social and cultural, to confront the threat of electronic terrorism and extremist groups that use social media for evil purposes.

The study calls for further studies and research on this subject, with the aim of developing mechanisms and procedures to confront this phenomenon and reduce its risks.