The Most Dangerous ‘Places’ Online: UK & US Gangs on Social Media

• In Event: International Studies in Criminology: Challenges and New Directions for Research

Abstract

Using offline and online qualitative research this paper will look at how gangs use social media in gang business. A comparison will be made between Camden, NJ, once known as America’s most dangerous city, and Lambeth a Borough of London that historically has the highest rates of gang violence. Similarities between the digital footprint of gangs in each area will be addressed in relation to gangs ‘branding’ themselves via YouTube and the corresponding popularity of gangs online. The contrast in the use of ‘digital collateral’ (videos posted online containing physical and sexual violence towards or by gang members) which incubates violence in Lambeth but is not a public feature online in Camden will be outlined. This finding will be contextualized through an analysis of key components that contribute to why and how social media has been underutilized by Camden gangs but conversely has become instrumental to those in Lambeth; the availability of internet access; differing age ranges of gang membership; differing rates of incarceration; differing access to social media whilst incarcerated; finally differences in how social media can be used by law enforcement and courts will be briefly discussed.

Author

• Michelle Lyttle Storrod, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey