The Impact of Social Media in the Radicalization of University Students

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to explore the role of social media in radicalization of university students. This was a qualitative research. The research methods used in this research were participant observation, snowball sampling, in-depth interviews using interview guide and case study. Other research tools used by qualitative researchers in anthropology were also employed. Radicalization is an extreme behavior adopted by the university students. Poverty, socio economic deprivation, educational system and religious identity make the students of universities radicalized. The emergence of radical organizations owes itself to different phenomena. The role of Islamic nature of the state ideology is the most important in growth of radicalism in society. The support of Jihad during soviet war in Afghanistan proved to be a catalyst for this radicalization of society. Different radical organizations emerged which challenged the sovereignty of state and political order of the country. After failing in taking the political control these organizations have been using violence against civilians. These organizations now use social media to spread their message and continue their struggle. Among the causes of radicalization this study found that the Islamic tone of education provided at basic level in schools, toleration of radical organizations, the use of modem propaganda techniques to radical message, unemployment of the target population of these messages and lower socio-economic status are very important. As to effects of social media and its use by radical organizations to spread their message, this study found that the role of social media in radicalization of students is very important. The use of tec1mically sophisticated propaganda by radical organization online enhances the intensity of influence of radical organization on university shldents.