The Role of Social Media in the Spread and Countering of Cyber-Extremism: An Islamic Jurisprudential and Educational Perspective

Author First name, Last name, Institution

• Amal Salem Bashib, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi Campus
• Noura Khamis Abdullah Ali Al-Naqbi, Emirates College for Advanced Education
• Fatima Saleh Mohammad Abdullah Al-Blooshi, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi Campus

Document Type

Article

Source of Publication

Journal of Statistics Applications and Probability

Publication Date

5-1-2026

Abstract

This study examined the role of social media in the spread and countering of cyber-extremism from an Islamic jurisprudential and educational perspective among students at Zayed University in the United Arab Emirates. A descriptive quantitative design was employed using a 28-item questionnaire administered to 180 students. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent-samples t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation analysis. The findings showed that X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram were the most frequently used social media platforms. Social media was perceived to play a moderate role in the spread of cyber-extremism and a stronger role in countering extremist ideologies through awareness and the promotion of balanced values. No statistically significant differences were found according to gender or duration of social media use, whereas significant age-related differences emerged regarding perceptions of social media’s role in countering cyber-extremism. A weak but statistically significant negative correlation was also found between the two study dimensions. The study highlights the importance of integrating Islamic jurisprudential principles and educational approaches to promote moderation, responsible digital engagement, and resilience against cyber-extremism. It recommends strengthening digital citizenship initiatives and educational programs that reinforce balanced Islamic values among university students.

DOI Link

10.18576/jsap/150337

ISSN

2090-8423

Publisher

Natural Sciences Publishing

Volume

15

Issue

3

First Page

891

Last Page

913

Disciplines

Communication | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Keywords

Cyber-Extremism, Digital Citizenship, Islamic Education, Islamic Jurisprudence, Social Media

Scopus ID

105047767701

Recommended Citation

Bashib, Amal Salem; Al-Naqbi, Noura Khamis Abdullah Ali; and Al-Blooshi, Fatima Saleh Mohammad Abdullah, "The Role of Social Media in the Spread and Countering of Cyber-Extremism: An Islamic Jurisprudential and Educational Perspective" (2026). All Works. 8256.
https://zuscholars.zu.ac.ae/works/8256

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

no