From Rappler (Sep 17):
Charting ISIS on social media: A Radian 6 analysis
Social media software analyzes terrorist group’s frightening trajectory on social media
Terror is on a
recruitment drive, one that’s cutting a path right through Southeast
Asia. Just last month the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant,
otherwise known as ISIS, garnered the
allegiance of senior Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) leader, Isnilon Hapilon.
His
pledge of allegiance is the result of ISIS’ ruthless and targeted
online enlistment process involving religion-laced propaganda and a steady
stream of their vicious progress throughout Iraq
and Syria.
The group, that
seemingly emerged out of nowhere, sprang into action in June of this year to
take city after city. Though their arrival seems fairly recent, many experts
surmise that their roots were sown fairly early on, starting with the tragic
attacks on September 11, 2001.
From then on, the
terror wars took on a cyclical path with leaders falling only to have others
take their place. Now, however, ISIS is taking
a novel and strategic approach, one that has propelled them through numerous
struggles and grown their numbers by the thousands.
To date, some
residents of Davao and isolated parts of Mindanao have also taken up the religious call to arms.
The Philippine militant group is just a fraction of the 30,000 to 50,000
individuals, worldwide, who have pledged their support to the terrorist
organization. Part of their training is reported to have taken place in the
country despite denials from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and their
longstanding peace agreement with the Philippine government.
This is only one
of the many alarming events surrounding the Sunni jihadist group known for
their extreme approach and unparalleled brutality. Their first strike on the Northern Iraqi
City of Mosul
was the opening salvo of many subsequent attacks on provinces in Iraq and Syria. To date, the group is
reported to occupy 35,000 square miles between both countries, estimated to be
similar in scope to neighboring country Jordan.
Despite their
continued path of destruction and mayhem, the US military has taken a
deliberative approach to one of immediate response. Understandably so, since
their involvement in the Afghanistan
and Iraq
war fiascos, advises caution and determination of just cause for war. However
there are specialists pushing for more than targeted air strikes. They want a
decisive motion to repel a faction that seems to exhibit characteristics that
set them apart and make them that much more disturbing.
Though ISIS’ strategic bid to increase their numbers is typical,
their approach is not. Massively funded and frighteningly organized, they are
rapidly emerging as a worldwide threat. Another thing that distinguishes them
from their counterparts is their liberal use of social media as a tool to
further their aims. From posting photos of the grisly mass murders of Iraqi troops
to execution videos of journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff, they are
getting harder to ignore. Bolstering the campaign to swell their ranks with
Islam devotees at a rapid rate, their online presence is a reminder that swift
action is needed.
Gripped by Panic
ISIS SPIKES. Initial US air strikes and public executions of James Foley and Steven Sotloff sparked mentions around the world.
Radian 6 showed a
total of 14,787,571 mentions measured, covering the 3-month period associated
with the group’s progress throughout Iraq.
The chart also
displayed a peak in ISIS mentions on August 9.
This date marked authorization of the first United
States air strikes on the organization’s strongholds in Mosul. From then on, buzz
stayed at above baseline levels exhibiting further peaks during August 21
(520,629), and September 3 (627,753), corresponding to the public release of
the execution videos of Foley and Sotloff, respectively.
GLOBAL MENACE. On the social media map, ISIS becomes a genuine menace to global security.
It can be
inferred that US response
put ISIS on the social media map as a genuine
menace to global security. The back-and-forth volley, between a country known
for its military might and one of the most radical groups to emerge from the Middle East, continues to play out with the whole world
as an audience.
The most
responses were observed in the US
(10,295,664), followed by the United Kingdom,
Canada, India, the Netherlands,
and Greece.
While horror,
disbelief, and fear permeate worldwide sentiment at 78.7% of mentions, there is
a surprising 21.2% that express positive views regarding the conflict outcome.
The hopeful few
are hinging on America
to launch concurrent air strikes and ground assaults to end the Islamic threat
for good.
Philippine
mentions stand at 13,366 and the graph displays more noticeable and sustained
spikes. Overall, however, the graph mirrors worldwide sentiment showing that we
are closely tuned in on ISIS events, as they
develop. There is no doubt that the events in Mindanao
have had a jarring effect on the country. Graphs show an overwhelming 78.9%
negative sentiment compared to 21.1% positive value.
MORE NEGATIVE. ISIS Responses are mostly negative, with the positive responses hinging on the chance of ISIS being stopped.
World Powers Respond
DEFENSE RESPONSES. Graph showing social media reactions to US and UN defense responses. Low UN involvement sees the US getting more social mentions.
Factoring defense
responses from the US
and world organization UN yielded surprising results. Most on social media are
not fans of the conservative response to ISIS.
Low UN involvement sees the US
capturing a larger chunk of social mentions at 84.1% to 15.9%.
Sentiment toward
the latter is largely negative at 88.1% compared to 11.9% positive mentions,
pending a concrete military strategy against the terrorist group. Whether or
not the world will keep holding its breath for what appears to be an impending
show down, remains to be seen.
More and more of
our countrymen join ISIS converts, the world
over, as they continue to pledge their aid. If
this shows anything, it’s that social media is highly effective at
disseminating ideas and making them stick.
With a matter
this serious, however, the numbers are there to send a message, ISIS is a legitimate threat and it’s time to take action.
Iggy Gan is an Associate Social Media Consultant at AllFamous Digital. He has a
knack for social listening and a passion for writing. Follow him on Twitter
@iggypedia.
Erica Sanidad
is a Social Media Specialist for AllFamous Digital. She likes reading and
collecting graphic novels and loves to paint during her spare time. Follow her
on Linked In and Instagram @ericasanidad.
http://www.rappler.com/technology/features/69361-radian-6-isis-development-analysis
