CAN WE FIGHT BACK?

7 comments


“We'd like to hear from you”
The terrorist attacks in Paris have produced worldwide outrage and a determination to fight back. Military coalitions from target countries are forming to inflict coordinated air strikes at ISIS and there are loud calls from various quarters for "boots on the ground." A military approach, however, did not stand alone.  Coverage of the Paris attacks spread far and wide through Twitter and helped along by online readers eager to share information. Hashtags #prayforparis proliferated. French flags were draped over profile pictures.

There seems to be the looming question, however: “does this have the power to facilitate change?”

The writers of this blog believes while social media may not directly stop ISIS, it can and is spreading awareness around the globe. We believe that, with the escalating popularity, social media can trump geographical boundaries. We believe that the battle must be waged on every front and our contribution can make a difference to the front line which ISIS has been using to full impact.

What do YOU think? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below. We’d love to hear from you.

7 comments:

  1. AnonymousDecember 10, 2015 at 9:24 PM

    I've been seeing a lot of news and media coverage about ISIS recently, given all the terrible things they've done, but I never really understood their recruitment and propaganda strategies. Thank you for spreading word in opposition to ISIS. It's heartbreaking to see how social media can be just a means of entertainment for most of us but also a tool of empowerment of such atrocious groups.

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  2. AnonymousDecember 10, 2015 at 9:57 PM

    It is truly a frightening thought that the people around you... especially the lonely and vulnerable people around you are the primary targets for ISIS recruitment. I think their target strategy should make us self-reflect about our actions. Are we neglecting the people that needs the most attention? Letting those people become vulnerable is in part our society's fault.

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  3. Marie GyeranDecember 11, 2015 at 2:05 AM

    I think the social media itself can also be used as a tool to fight ISIS. We have to keep in mind that the major battle lines with ISIS are ideological ones. That is why ISIS is weaponizing different platforms to recruit, organize and spread their ideologies. And for me, it is clear that ISIS has been using it to full effect while we have not. So I think we have to keep in mind that - even though we cannot stop the war by twitting, blogging or draping French flags over profile pictures- we can enhance awareness. Creating, discussing and sharing avalanche of information, I believe, also will also make us less vulnerable to potential ISIS recruitment strategies.

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  4. AnonymousDecember 11, 2015 at 3:51 AM

    I think it is truly heartbreaking to see average citizens become a part of ISIS. Clearly, ISIS has very radical acts and opinions that no one in his right mind would agree to. However, the fact that people voluntarily join ISIS worries me a great deal about the society also. What, as a society, have we done to force them out of their warm houses? Or is it completely their fault? People who are not even muslims join ISIS; how can we protect them the propagandas?

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  5. AnonymousDecember 11, 2015 at 8:18 AM

    Anonymous said... It's sad to see how social media can be tool of ISIS. Thank you for sharing information about ISIS to avoid ignorant public.

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  6. UnknownDecember 11, 2015 at 9:10 AM

    Thank you for your insights regarding an issue, which I believe deserves attention by many more worldwide. As mentioned in your writing, I believe such campaigns on Twitter and Facebook are great first steps that can be taken by ordinary people like us to spread awareness in a most effecive and convenient manner. Suprisingly a lot of people are still unaquainted with the atrocities committed by ISIS and that is why I think social media should be used as a tool to first let the public know, and to hopefully prevent potential ISIS recruitments through sns.

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  7. AnonymousDecember 11, 2015 at 9:31 AM

    It's surprising how widespread and effective social media really is. Like what many of your posts suggest, the terrorist group's international influence through online platforms seem to be the main problem. So I think that problem should be dealt primarily with more of the strict and careful policies set for online/cyber communication?

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