New technologies: dissonance, influence and radical behaviours
Document Type
Journal Article
Publisher
Mindsystems Pty Ltd
Faculty
Faculty of Computing, Health and Science
School
School of Computer and Information Science / Security Research Centre (secAU)
RAS ID
10256
Abstract
Increasingly in cyberspace, the targets of influence and propaganda are becoming active participants in the process, as such phenomena such as social web sites allow arguments to be started, reinforced and added to be others within the group. This dynamic multi-channel process of indoctrination enabled by Web 2 tools has brought a new dimension to the development of influence. This speculative paper argues that although conventional access to messages on the Internet will reinforce, and possibly change attitudes, any dissonance caused by the ideas presented will not necessarily end in changing behaviours. Shocking images and contrary views that cause dissonance with 'acceptabl{C' behaviour patterns and national myths will not necessarily end with 'conversions' of the participants and lead to extremist behaviour. The caveat here is that the process of radicalization has not already been started by other factors. However, the advent of Web 2 and mobile technology has created a more problematic situation where virtual communities have provided previously missing elements needed to change cognition into behaviour - a sense of belonging and a like-minded support group. This paper comments on the impact of new technologies in creating dissonance and speculates on its impact which mayor may not lead to radical changes in behaviour.
Comments
Hutchinson, W. E. (2010). New technologies: dissonance, influence and radical behaviours. Journal of Information Warfare, 9(3), 14-25. Available here.