Social Media, Evolutionary Psychology, and ISIS: A Literature Review and Future Research Directions

Abstract

The paper aims at conducting a robust literature review of the emerging literature on social media use by Islamic State (ISIS) to promote their ideology and recruit future members and supporters. Then, the study uses evolutionary psychology as a theoretical framework to analyze these papers in order to underscore the mechanisms underlying young occidental males’ willingness to become terrorists. Our key findings, implications for research and practice are discussed.