If you’re curious about how hate groups, terrorist organizations and politics groups have successfully weaponized social media, simply continue reading for some information on this from James Scott ICIT.
Important facts about the weaponization of social media:
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Terrorist organizations frequently use social media platforms in order to try and recruit impressionable individuals to their organizations
As an example, you may or may not be aware that Isis which is an extremist Islamic terrorist organization uses Facebook accounts in order to influence impressionable individuals such as youths to join their ranks. In fact, Isis is known for getting some of their soldiers and recruiters to set up Facebook accounts so that they’ll be able to message befriend individuals who seem interested in their cause.
While other soldiers are encouraged to post photographs in uniforms, wielding powerful semi-automatic weapons. In order to impress potential recruits, who may be attracted to the power that comes with wielding a gun and joining a notorious terrorist organization.
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Individuals and groups frequently use social media to employ scare tactics
Individuals who use social media to bully others such as minorities are unfortunately commonplace in today’s day and age. Worse yet, hate groups such as white supremacist groups and terrorist groups also have taken to using social media in order to employ scare tactics. As an example, terrorist groups around the world are known for executing prisoners of war and uploading photos and videos of the executions which they carry out, for the world to watch in horror.
As another example, hate groups such as white supremacist groups are also known for posting, videos and photographs from their rallies on their social media accounts in order to entice hatred against different ethnic groups and their supporters.
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Terrorist and hate groups spread propaganda through the prolific use of social media platforms
Terrorist and hate groups can also use social media accounts in order to spread posts which contain their extremist beliefs and goals. Worse yet such groups can also spread false facts and claims which their followers may blindly accept as truths. As an example, groups who utilize social media to influence potential recruits or potential sympathizers, may also encourage their followers to retweet or re-post false news stories which paint their side of the story as the truth.
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Political groups can also use social media platforms to influence internet users
Unfortunately terrorist groups and hate groups aren’t the only groups who try to harness the power and influence of social media in order to win over new fans. Political groups are also notorious for using social media in order to drum up support for their parties by trying to slander their opponents with unfounded lies, which internet uses may believe.
As shockingly many individuals believe everything which they read on social media. Instead of getting their news stories from more reputable sources such as well established news sites, which offer unbiased articles which simply state facts instead of doctored opinions.
So while the inventors of social media platforms may have never intended for their websites to be weaponized, social media sites are often used by the dregs of society.