Aims: In the digital era, cyberterrorism has emerged as a critical threat to global security. Distinguished by its inherent secrecy, operational complexity, and the transnational reach afforded by advanced information and communication technologies, this form of crime poses unique challenges for monitoring and legal prosecution. Its evolution has profoundly impacted the organizational structures and operational methods of terrorist groups, who now employ sophisticated mechanisms such as website hacking, digital viruses, psychological warfare, cyber espionage, and direct attacks on information systems. Within this context, this study investigates the role of social media platforms in countering this threat. Specifically, it aims to measure the extent of Facebook usage among a sample of university students and analyze the platform's perceived effectiveness in raising awareness about the dangers of cyberterrorism. Methods: This research adopts a descriptive-analytical approach. A study sample of 400 students (male and female) was selected using a simple random sampling method. A questionnaire was developed as the primary data collection instrument, and its psychometric properties, including validity and reliability, were rigorously established prior to administration. Results: The statistical analysis revealed that a significant majority of respondents (67.5%) advocate for Facebook to implement stricter controls to limit the spread of terrorist content. The findings suggest this perspective stems from the dual impact of such material: it serves as an operational incentive for terrorist groups to legitimize their activities and reinforce their digital presence, while simultaneously inducing psychological distress, fear, and a sense of frustration among the public exposed to depictions of violence and extremism.
Shaker Mohammed (Sun,) studied this question.