Psychological Effects Of Terrorism: Counterterrorism Strategies In The Digital Age

Abstract

The article presents an analysis of terrorism as the creation of a specific symbolic space. The Islamic State is used as an example, whose presence in the media space was very intense. It utilized various media tools to create a specific image of reality. The idea was to present the Islamic State as a terrorist organization in a new media environment and to highlight the use of elements of Western culture in shaping the image of the contemporary terrorist. The study explores the multifaceted nature of contemporary terrorism, delineating its dual role as both a tangible threat to human life and a symbolic tool for advancing specific ideologies. The paper examines terrorism within the broader security framework, emphasizing its evolving man[1]ifestations in informational warfare and network-based conflicts. The analysis extends to the symbiotic relationship between terrorism and media, with a focus on the Islamic State's adept utilization of social platforms and popular culture elements for propaganda purposes, this paper highlights its inversion of Western desires and the unsettling revelation of hidden societal tensions, drawing examples from popular culture and insights from Freud and Zizek. Implications for Western Societies: The essay concludes by reflecting on the implications of symbolic violence for Western societies, urging a critical examination of the underlying cultural structures perpetuating symbolic violence and media seduction.