How Gun Violence Echoes Online: Quantifying the Impact of Gang Shootings on Social Media Dynamics

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

Abstract

This paper explores the intricate relationship between gang-related shootings and the subsequent activity on a social media platform within gang networks. Using data on 33 Latin gangs in Chicago, we describe and model the direction and magnitude of the relationship between gang-related shootings and gang-related comment activity on the Facebook community in an event study framework. We find that the relationship between gang-related shootings and gang-related online activity is non-linear, suggesting the reverse causality between online and offline gang activity. This research sheds light on the immediate and long-term impact of gang-related gun violence on social media behavior, providing insights into the dynamics of gang communication and social response mechanisms.

Authors

• Alex Knorre, Boston College

• John Leverso, University of Cincinnati

• George Mohler, Boston College

• Youness Diouane, Boston College