Islamic State’s Propaganda and Social Media

Abstract

Abstract This chapter describes how the Islamic State (IS) used social media in sometimes innovative, sometimes less novel ways to advance its full-spectrum propaganda. The chapter takes a social psychological perspective to explain how and why the group’s social media strategy was effective, documenting IS’s ability to develop a coherent and cohesive shared social identity and brand through social media (particularly Twitter) interactions. It is argued that while IS responded to technological developments in online and social media to develop a sophisticated media strategy, at the same time, social media played an instrumental role in the development and evolution of IS itself. This chapter also offers an opportunity to critically examine methodological challenges, future research opportunities, and the conceptual implications of studying the activities of IS and other extremist groups online.