The main aim of terrorism is to instil fear and insecurity in us. This is seen when people develop phobias, such as aerophobia and xenophobia. They may also feel insecure in their homeland.

By allowing fear and doubt to creep into us, we are succumbing to terrorism and granting terrorists mental control over us.

Fear also hinders us from a plethora of experiences. For instance, the fear of air travel can prevent us from exploring the world and interacting with people of different nationalities.

Some parties may also exaggerate the harms of terrorism and instil greater fear in us than the act itself.

We cannot let fear knock us off our feet and influence the way we live and act. The real battle against terrorism is in our minds.

Lee Song Yang, 17,

first-year junior college student