Twitter influence and cumulative perceptions of extremist support: A case study of Geert Wilders
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publisher
Security Research Institute, Edith Cowan University
Faculty
Faculty of Health, Engineering and Science
School
School of Computer and Security Science / ECU Security Research Institute
RAS ID
16075
Abstract
The advent of Social media has changed the manner in which perceptions about power and information can be influenced. Twitter is used as a fast‐paced vehicle to deliver short, succinct pieces of information, creating the perception of acceptance, popularity and authority. In the case of extremist groups, Twitter is one of several avenues to create the perception of endorsement of values that would otherwise gain less prominence through mainstream media. This study examines the use of Twitter in augmenting the status and reputation of anti‐Islam and anti‐immigration policy through the controlled release of social media information bursts. The paper demonstrates the use of new media by extremist groups using open source case study data from the associated Twitter traffic of Geert Wilders. The results indicate the pursuit of increased traction for controversial ideals that provoke and incite others towards extremism, violence, racism and Islamaphobia.
Access Rights
free_to_read
Comments
Blanquart, G. , & Cook, D. M. (2013). Twitter influence and cumulative perceptions of extremist support: A case study of Geert Wilders. Proceedings of the 4th Australian Counter Terrorism Conference, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia, 2nd-4th December, 2013 (pp. 1 - 11). Perth, Australia: Security Research Institute, Edith Cowan University. Available here