Keepin' it Real: Exploring Gang Members' Use of Social Media for Achieving Expressive Goals

• In Event: Can Society Control Gangs? Social Media and Gang Injunctions

Abstract

In part due to the shrinking gap in the technological and digital divide, gang members appear to be increasing their online presence and taking advantage of social media. According to studies, gang members are “cyberbanging” by using the Internet for a variety of purposes, including communication, promotion, recruitment, and intimidation. One way gang members are spreading their message and intimidating rivals is through the creation of amateur rap music videos. We interviewed gang members in Pittsburgh, PA to learn more about their use of social media, particularly YouTube, for posting battle rap music videos. We attempt to determine whether their participation in social media contributes to the retaliatory cycle of expressive violence common in gangs.

Authors

• Joseph D. Johnson, Rowan University

• Natalie Schell-Busey, Rowan University