Is use of the word "terrorism" a way of avoiding the truth about society

[TimeforaNNChange]

Not all incidents of mass murder, and extreme violence, are politically motivated - yet it seems that recently, whenever anything inexplicably horrific occurs, that is the way it is considered.

No attempt is made to determine other possible motivations, no analysis of the circumstances that may have led to an individual carrying out such an atrocity. An investigation takes time and may well, in months to come, reveal no links to political extremism at all - but once labelled as terror, it is always referred to and remembered as such.

Has the word "terrorism" been redefined to include all acts that we, as society, find impossible to explain or understand?

The thing is that there is probably some form of pathology underlying any act of mass murderer, whatever the purported aims. Surely the more murderous section of the IRA must have attracted some psychopathic personalities.

I do take the point that this kind of terrorism is very different. At least Basque Separatists, the IRA or PLO had very tangible political aims. IS are different.

But why on earth do you think calling it an act of terrorism will close down those questions? of course it doesn't. His whole life, friendships, job, relationships will be examined.
I don't get this idea that it's 'case-closed'

Because todays news is tomorrows Fish and Chip papers - well, not literally anymore, but the initial reporting of an atrocity is all that most people see. It may well be that in subsequent weeks/months, the objective, in depth investigation reveals that there is totally different motivation for a mass murder. That may be reported - but it is no longer headlines and very few people pay attention.

But, as far as the wider public is concerned the media, and the politicians, called it terrorism, so that is what it must be. And they live their lives oblivious to the fact that there are other reasons why mass murder takes place.

I'm not questioning the investigation process, I know it happens. But when politicians and the media second guess that, and automatically label an atrocity "terrorism", then they are misleading wider society. My question is why is it necessary to do that?