Web Helps Recruit And Radicalise Supporters Of Terrorism

Main Category: Bio-terrorism / Terrorism
Also Included In: IT / Internet / E-mail
Article Date: 27 Jun 2008 - 5:00 PDT

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Terrorist organisations are using the internet increasingly to recruit and radicalise potential supporters.

This is the finding of Dr Lorraine Grieve from Leeds Trinity and All Saint's University College who presented her findings on Thursday 26 June 2008 at the British Psychological Society's Division of Forensic Psychology's Annual Conference which was held at the Edinburgh Conference Centre, Heriot-Watt University.

This research investigated three online virtual communities in support of Irish Republicanism, Right-Wing Supremacism & Israeli Extremism, and looked at how terrorist movements use websites & virtual communities and what they mean to supporters.

It was clear that terrorist movements use the internet to circulate propaganda, construct and maintain virtual communities of support but it also became apparent that these communities are important in encouraging increased involvement with the group, creating social bonds and radicalising individuals.

Once an individual joins and interacts with these virtual communities they are open to radicalisation through communication, immersion in the community and propaganda literature.

The organisations encourage radicalisation by dehumanising the "enemy", discrediting the government and presenting a fight or die philosophy. This process of increasing involvement leads to a point where violent or terrorist action is both considered and supported as a viable option.

Dr Grieve said; "The internet is increasingly being used as a communication tool for dissident groups and many terrorist organisations have been quick to seize on the opportunities it gives for propaganda and recruitment. Where support for dissident groups in the 'real' world is limited individuals will use the internet to discuss, debate and dissent, particularly in relation to topics and issues which are highly emotive in nature, such as terrorism and extremism."

"By encouraging ongoing involvement within virtual communities of terrorist support and also outside of the virtual realm individuals can potentially become 'radicalised'"

British Psychological Society