Dr. Hamza Alakaleek

Social media platforms, once conceived as tools for personal connection, have evolved into powerful instruments capable of shaping public opinion, mobilizing the masses, and even influencing geopolitical events. This transformation has profound implications for national security, requiring a nuanced understanding of the challenges posed by these platforms and the development of appropriate regulatory frameworks.

In the early days of social media, platforms like Facebook and X (used to be Twitter) emerged as digital town squares, facilitating communication and fostering community. However, over time, these platforms have morphed into powerful tools for information dissemination, opinion formation, and social mobilization. The algorithms that underpin these platforms have become increasingly sophisticated, tailoring content to individual users and amplifying certain voices over others. This algorithmic curation can lead to the formation of echo chambers, where users are exposed only to information that reinforces their existing beliefs, hindering critical thinking and fostering polarization.

The rise of social media has presented a complex array of challenges to national security: in many ways such as Disinformation and Misinformation: Social media has become a breeding ground for the spread of false and misleading information, often with malicious intent. Foreign adversaries can exploit these platforms to sow discord, undermine democratic institutions, and influence elections.

Additionally, Extremist groups and ideologies can use social media to recruit new members, spread propaganda, and incite violence. The algorithms that power these platforms can inadvertently amplify extremist content, further radicalizing vulnerable individuals.
In Jordan, this threat became evident during the 2025 Trump-King Abdullah II meeting, where False Interpretation and AI-generated disinformation, such as deepfake videos and coordinated bot campaigns, aimed to undermine the monarchy and national unity. Hashtags spread across TikTok and Telegram, eroding trust in state media and amplifying division.

Further, Social media platforms are attractive targets for cyberattacks, which can compromise sensitive information and disrupt critical infrastructure. Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in these platforms to steal personal data, launch phishing attacks, and spread malware.

Addressing the challenges posed by social media requires a multifaceted approach that involves a combination of technological, legal, and social solutions. Some key regulatory measures that could be considered include such as Transparency and Accountability: Social media platforms should be required to be more transparent about their algorithms, data practices, and content moderation policies. This would help to mitigate the spread of misinformation and disinformation.

The second way is Content Moderation: Platforms should implement robust content moderation policies to remove harmful content, such as hate speech, harassment, and incitement to violence. However, it is crucial to balance content moderation with freedom of expression.

Thirdly, Data Privacy and Security: Stricter data privacy regulations can help to protect user data from misuse and unauthorized access. Additionally, platforms should invest in cybersecurity measures to safeguard their systems and user data.

To combat such threats, Jordan must adopt a proactive digital resilience strategy, and influencer partnerships to promote accurate narratives. The Royal Court’s Directorate of Media especially the social media department should have Long-Term Strategies to enhance and apply proactive matures to support King Abdallah II's position in defending the Jordanian interest and supporting the Palestinian

Also, Lessons from the Crisis should be learned where the monarchy’s historical legitimacy and swift denial of rumours prevented large-scale unrest.

On the other hand, what Failed, State media’s outdated outreach struggled to compete with viral platforms like TikTok and Telegram.

This crisis should be turned to be an Opportunity by Using the crisis to build a Digital Resilience Strategy that unites Jordanians around shared values (e.g., Palestinian rights, and national sovereignty).

Therefore, as technology continues to advance, the challenges posed by social media will likely become more complex. To address these challenges, policymakers and industry leaders must remain vigilant and adapt to the evolving landscape.

In conclusion, Jordan’s monarchy remains a stabilizing force, but social media’s weaponization demands urgent action. By combining tech-savvy governance, inclusive dialogue, and strategic regulation, Jordan can turn social media from a tool of division into a platform for unity. Protecting the King’s position requires not just countering lies but also rebuilding trust in institutions—a challenge as critical as any geopolitical threat.