RAND Corp. releases study on social media habits of ISIS sympathizers on Twitter

Opponents of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) are six times greater in number on Twitter compared to actual ISIS supporters, according to a study released by the RAND Corporation of Tuesday, but those sympathetic to the group’s causes are more active on social media.

Through the analysis of more than 23 million tweets posted in Arabic language over a 10-month period, RAND researchers found that a supporter of ISIS produces 50 percent more tweets per day on average than an opponent. Evidence also shows that ISIS opponents have been increasing their activity.

“Organizations such as the U.S. military and the State Department looking to counter-message ISIS on Twitter should tailor messages and target them to specific communities,” Elizabeth Bodine-Baron, lead author of the study and a RAND engineer, said. “The ISIS Twitter universe is highly fragmented and consists of several different communities with different concerns, so messages need to be aimed at specific audiences, rather than trying to craft a one-size-fits-all message.”

Researchers said that U.S. officials should increase their counter-ISIS efforts on the social media platform by offering social media training to enhance a posting’s effectiveness and reach.

Research for the study was conducted at the RAND National Security Research Division (NSRD), which conducts research and analysis on defense and national security topics for U.S. and allied defenses.