This is a suggestive thesis that aims to investigate the potential within boredom literature to supplement explanations of interaction patterns with jihadist propaganda from the so-called Islamic State (IS). The media strategy of IS has benefited from a comprehensive narrative, and an inclusive approach to production and dissemination of propaganda, which has seen a heavy emphasis on the grass root participation within a loosely structured digital network. The thesis builds on the precept that boredom has been associated with lack of agency, meaning and excitement – three attributes that features prominently in IS propaganda. Through a scoping literature review of published articles on boredom, certain thematic elements was perceived to have an analytical potential with regards to the jihadist propaganda – including boredom proneness, boredom and meaning-seeking, boredom and excitement, and boredom’s relation to violent agency. The study showed a potential for boredom as a concept, via the respective theoretical and methodological frameworks, to broaden our understanding of the interaction with IS propaganda. By investigating boredom as a driving force in the interaction process, it is possible to highlight several aspects of how and why people relate positively to the propaganda – most importantly the connection between boredom and central human emotions, needs and characteristics.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:fhs-7382 |
| Date | January 2017 |
| Creators | Hagman, Oskar |
| Publisher | Försvarshögskolan |
| Source Sets | DiVA Archive at Upsalla University |
| Language | Swedish |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Student thesis, info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis, text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Rights | info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess |
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