MetaSecurity

Terrorists rely on state-of-the-art techniques from the advertising industry to attract suicide bombers. Rather than broadcast, or use one big message to attract a huge audience, the extremists “narrowcast,” targeting small groups with specific messages that exploit their vulnerabilities. The internet – anonymous and decentralized, reaching the alienated who desperately seek some inspiration or goals – is the ideal communication tool for terrorists, explains Gabriel Weimann, communication professor at Haifa University. Websites designed by terrorist groups praise and encourage suicide bombings, assassinations of world leaders and sacrificing children to a cause built around hatred and the end of free thought. To block terrorists’ recruitment drives and reduce the spread of hate messages, investigators must understand the source of anger and insecurity. Like any consumer marketing, the online world of “narrowcasting” gives its audience of vulnerable and discontents the illusion that they are special. – YaleGlobal