DIGITAL TERRORISM: The Emerging Threat of Behavioral Manipulation in the Digital Age

Digital terrorism represents a growing threat in the digital age, focusing on the manipulation of human behavior rather than technical disruptions. Unlike cyberterrorism, digital terrorism leverages misinformation, disinformation, emotional manipulation, and targeted propaganda to destabilize societies, polarize communities, and incite conflict. This paper examines the mechanisms of digital terrorism, including social media profiling and social engineering, and discusses strategies for protection at the individual, institutional, and state levels. Through scholarly expertise, this paper highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate the effects of digital terrorism on global stability.