1st Edition
by Michael Erbschloe (Author)
Extremist Propaganda in Social Media: A Threat to Homeland Security
presents both an analysis of the impact of propaganda in social media
and the rise of extremism in mass society from technological and social
perspectives. The book identifies the current phenomenon, what shall be
dubbed for purposes of this book "Blisstopian Societies"―characterized
in the abiding "ignorance is bliss" principle―whereby a population is
complacent and has unquestioning acceptance of a social doctrine without
challenge and introspection. In these subcultures, the malleable
population self-select social media content, "news," and propaganda
delivery mechanisms. By doing so, they expose themselves only to
content that motivates, reinforces, and contributes to their isolation,
alienation, and self-regulation of the social groups and individuals. In
doing this, objective news is dismissed, fake―or news otherwise
intended to misinform―reinforces their stereotyped beliefs about society
and the world around them.
This phenomenon is,
unfortunately, not "fake news," but a real threat to which
counterterror, intelligence, Homeland Security, law enforcement, the
military, and global organizations must be hyper-vigilant of, now and
into the foreseeable future. Chapters cite numerous examples from the
2016 political election, the Russia investigation into the Trump
Campaign, ISIS, domestic US terrorists, among many other examples of
extremist and radicalizing rhetoric.
The book
illustrates throughout that this contrived and manufactured bliss has
fueled the rise and perpetuation of hate crimes, radicalism, and
violence in such groups as ISIS, Boko Haram, Neo-Nazis, white
separatists, and white supremacists in the United States―in addition to
perpetuating ethnic cleansing actions around the world. This dynamic has
led to increased political polarization in the United States and
abroad, while furthering an unwillingness and inability to both
compromise or see others’ perspectives―further fomenting insular
populations increasing willing to harm others and do violence.
Extremist Propaganda in Social Media
relates current Blisstopian practices to real-world hate speech and
violence, connecting how such information is consumed by groups and
translated into violent action. The book is an invaluable resources for
those professionals that require an awareness of social media
radicalization including: social media strategists, law enforcement,
Homeland Security professionals, military planners and operatives―anyone
tasked with countering combat such violent factions and fringes in
conflict situations.