Unpacking Gang Dynamics on Social Media Through Signaling Theory

• In Event: Gangs, Violence, and Deviant Behavior in the Digital Age

Abstract

The advent of social media has transformed the landscape of street gang dynamics, enabling members to engage with both allies and adversaries with the click of a button. While existing research has documented gang members' use of social media—including identity performance, rival taunting, promoting gang culture, and conflict de-escalation—it often lacks a theoretical foundation and fails to offer a process-oriented view of these digital interactions. In response, our study advances a signaling approach to understanding online gang interactions. To do so, we use a case study of Chicago Latino gangs and qualitative content analysis performed on data that was web scraped from a public Facebook page including more than 40,000 Facebook posts/replies. Our approach provides a lens to interpret the costs and benefits of digital displays, understanding them as strategic moves in a larger social game. Our theoretical framework theory helps in deciphering the intricate language of gang communications on social media, elucidating the reasons behind the public nature of what might otherwise be considered clandestine activities. Ultimately this research contributes to understanding the digital negotiation of gang dynamics, highlighting the strategic use of communication in cyberspace.

Authors

• Lindsey Marie Insco, University of Cincinnati

• John Leverso, University of Cincinnati

• James Densley, Metropolitan State University