Social Media counters Violent Extremism

The threats of violent extremism in different global regions[1] and the persisting presence of various extremist formations[2] into the domestic politics in many states have encouraged the social media to take initiative in countering violent extremism apart from the initial strategic measures[3].

The intention of the major participant in social networking is to use new alternative approaches while reflecting on the topic of violent extremism by avoiding the intense political context but addressing issues of identity and tolerance on public attitudes and behavior[4].

The non-predictive algorithm of Violent Extremism

Despite that the current media policy encounters general support, the topic should the media assistance become a core aspect of global development; conflict prevention and peace building continues to create debates concerning the prognosis and prevention of violent extremism[5] among citizens.

Some media circles claim that social networking sites serve primly political interests[6] while others believe that most social media platforms offer an easy way to set up a community or organization page where anyone can join, exchange information and remain anonymous[7].

[1] Yourish, K., Watkins, D. & Giratikanon, T. “Where ISIS Has Directed and Inspired Attacks Around the World”, The New York Times, March 2016, <http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/06/17/world/middleeast/map-isis-attacks-around-the-world.html?_r=0> (18.06.2016)

[2] Gutteridge, N. “MAPPED: Shocking march of the far—right cross Europe as migration fears reach fever pitch”, Express.co.uk, Dec 2015, <http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/629022/EU-migration-crisis-far-right-parties-Europe-Germany-Sweden-France> (18.06.2016)

[3] United Nations. Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism. Jan 2016. <https://www.un.org/counterterrorism/ctitf/plan-action-prevent-violent-extremism> (18.06.2016)

[4] Ferguson, K. (2016), Countering violent extremism through media and communication strategies, UK: Partnership for Conflict, Crime & Security Research <http://www.paccsresearch.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Countering-Violent-Extremism-Through-Media-and-Communication-Strategies-.pdf>

[5] Wells, D. “Orlando: Radicalisation is not a linear pathway”, The Interpreter, June 2016, <http://www.lowyinterpreter.org/post/2016/06/15/Orlando-Radicalisation-is-not-a-linear-pathway.aspx#.V2DoIUDguhQ.twitter> (18.06.2016)

[6] Nashef, N. “Social networking sites serve occupation`s interests”, MEMO, June 2016, <https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20160613-social-networking-sites-serve-occupations-interests/> (18.06.2016)

[7] Caruso, C. “Can a Social-Media Algorithm Predict a Terror Attack?”, MIT Technology Review, June 2016, <https://www.technologyreview.com/s/601700/can-a-social-media-algorithm-predict-a-terror-attack/> (18.06.2016)

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