ISIS Videos “Tailored to Appeal to Youth”

The Straits Times

28 May 2015

THE grisly video clips put out by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) have shocked many, but they have also helped to radicalise a number of young people across the world, including here.

Yesterday, the detention of a 19-year-old Singapore student, radicalised after he started viewing terrorist propaganda online, once again drew attention to the question of why is it that some young individuals are attracted to such ideas.

In recent months, ISIS’ gory footage has included the beheading of two Japanese hostages as well as a Jordanian pilot who was burned alive.

While the incidents drew widespread condemnation, there has nonetheless been a growing number of teens detected and detained for wanting to join ISIS in Syria and for plotting attacks elsewhere.

… Said Dr Shashi Jayakumar, head of the Centre of Excellence for National Security at the S.Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS): “It is much easier to radicalise oneself through social media, rather than through a book or newspaper.”

… Said Dr Kumar Ramakrishna, head of policy studies at RSIS: “Unfortunately, this trend will likely increase largely because we have yet to effectively counter ISIS ideology.”

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