Tristessens hundar : Hur tristess kan hjälpa oss förklara interaktionen med jihadistisk propaganda

Sammanfattning: 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.