JIHADISM AND MASS MEDIA
JIHADISM AND MASS MEDIA

Summary/Abstract: The use of mass media as a propaganda tool is an integral part of the strategy employed by terrorist groups that have discovered that shock and publicity conveyed by images can be more effective than the attack it self. This situation is a consequence of the competition for audience that animates all the companies active in the field of media, as well as the interest that the public has for the sensational. Because of this circle, terrorist attacks became first page news. In order to maintain their position on the front cover, terrorist groups came with attacks that are more and more daring and spectacular and conducted against carefully selected targets. At the same time, one can see that new methods of action have been developed, their aim being to shock and attract attention, as well as becoming a kind of trade mark. Such an example is the beheadings practiced by the Islamic State. But, in order for them not to become “boring”, from time to time new ways of doing things are developed (e.g. mass decapitations) along with introducing new methods of conducting the executions. Beyond the publicity for the cause they pretend to serve, the mediatization of these actions through mass media and the Internet also aims at attracting new followers and supporters. These new adherents either join the terrorist groups in war zones, or engage in lone wolves type attacks in their own countries. This type of attacks, that are more difficult to counter, have recently multiplied.

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