ISIS'S USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA SITES MOTIVES AND INTERACTIVITY – A SURVEY STUDY OF THE ORGANIZATION'S CONVICTED MEMBERS IN SYRIA

Abstract

The technological revolution in the field of media has overturned the principles and standards that existed for decades. It has affected many concepts and terminology and changed the well-known models just as it has changed the customs and patterns of the audience in exposure to traditional Media. In fact, the old made use of the new in a state of fusion, integration and completion to reach this audience. This research aims to investigate the motives of ISIS’s use of social media sites in Syria, the patterns and obstacles of use, the mechanisms of interaction and the consequences. Therefore, the research used the survey method and selected a sample of the organization’s members from those in Iraqi prisons who were transferred from Syrian territory under the supervision of the United Nations.  A questionnaire form was prepared. It consists of (21) items divided into four axes, which are the individual characteristics of the respondents, the patterns and habits of use, its motives, and the extent of interaction in social media sites.