Winning Hearts and Minds? The Role of the Internet in Shaping Attitudes Toward Terrorism

Abstract

As Internet access becomes more widespread, the availability of information and opportunity for online dialogue expand. Increasingly, however, violent extremists take advantage of the technology to radicalize and recruit supporters. This study tests the assumption that, by exposing people to a greater diversity of information and perspectives, the Internet is inherently a tool for counterterrorism. Regression analysis of data from the 2011 Pew Global Research Project is used to determine how access to the Internet affects attitudes toward terrorism in five predominately Muslim countries. The results indicate the role of the Internet varies greatly by country, pointing to the need to develop context-specific online strategies for counterterrorism.

Keywords: Internet, public diplomacy, counterterrorism