Upcoming Roundtable | ISIS and Social Media

Challenging the power of traditional news outlets, social media networks have given those involved in international conflicts access to rapid-fire distribution methods and a worldwide audience.

But as extremist groups like the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (also called ISIS or ISIL) use YouTube, Twitter, and other social media networks to distribute violent content that some call visual terrorism, a number of questions arise: Do social media companies have a responsibility to police such content? And, if so, what form would that responsibility take? In the hands of media-savvy groups, can these networks even be managed? And for those in the United States, how would efforts to control such content square with a commitment at home to First Amendment rights?

On Friday, November 21, 2014, Salve Regina students, faculty and staff are invited to explore the power that social media networks wield in the field of international conflict and the challenges those networks pose for conflict resolution. This roundtable discussion will be held in the Miley Private Dining Room from 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Dr. Donna Harrington-Lueker of the Department of English and Communications will lead the conversation.

The Pell Center will provide a free lunch. Space is limited. Please RSVP to [email protected].