In my blog, I often explore the theoretical foundations of what I call semantic terrorism. I draw on thinkers like Bourdieu and Foucault. I also reference Baulibard and Pomerantsev.

These thinkers help situate the concept within broader debates about power, language, and meaning.

At the same time, I want to emphasize a key point. Semantic terrorism is more than just a theoretical construct. It is a phenomenon grounded in lived reality. I continuously collect references and examples that demonstrate how this operates in practice.

In this post, I link to two recent articles.

These articles describe the use of emotionally loaded, socially charged AI-generated content for political gain.

They are clear illustrations of semantic terrorism in action.

Note: The original articles I reference here are written in Hebrew. However, they can be easily translated with Google Translate for readers who wish to explore the full texts.

🔗 The New Threat – “Schitunim” in the Service of Russia

Title: “החייל הגידם שמאיים לגנוב את הבחירות: דרושה התערבות מיידית של השב”כ”

Author: רועי שושן (Roee Shoshan) העין השביעית

Publication: העין השביעית (The 7th Eye) העין השביעית

Date published: 16 September 2025 העין השביעית

This piece shows how “schitunim” (emotional blackmail posts) are used as tools of manipulation.

I see this as semantic terrorism:

#SemanticTerrorism the very meaning of social support is hijacked and distorted, while our perception of reality is targeted and destabilized.

Abstract

This opinion piece warns of a new influence campaign using AI-generated emotional content on social media in Israel. Fake or manipulated images and profiles are shared under the guise of benign, patriotic or heartwarming posts. These include soldiers, family events, “recipes and blessings.” They are deployed to gain trust and build large engaged audiences. These digital assets then serve as “dormant cells” ready to shift toward overt political messaging, especially around elections. The author argues that these campaigns distort reality, erode the distinction between fact and fiction, and risk undermining democratic processes. He calls for immediate intervention by security and law enforcement agencies (including the Shabak) to counter these maneuvers

Author: ד”ר רועי צזנה (Dr. Roey Tzezana)

Source / Blog: המדריך לעתיד – הבלוג של ד”ר רועי צזנה (The Guide to the Future – Dr. Roey Tzezana’s Blog)

Date of publication: 19 September 2025

Article title: האיּום החדש – סחיטונים בשירות רוסיה (The New Threat – “Schitunim” in the Service of Russia)