Gang Member use of Social Media: How Violence is Signalled Online

• In Event: Poster Session 1

Abstract

This study investigates the use of social media by street gangs in Quebec, Canada, focusing on the display of threatening or violent content. Unlike previous research, which primarily focused on gangs in larger cities, this study examines gangs in a smaller city context. Social media accounts of identified gang members were analyzed for indicators of violence, including firearms, gun gestures, and hand signs, across platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, and TikTok. Results indicate that out of 59 identified gang members, only 17 had active social media accounts, with Instagram and YouTube being the most utilized platforms. Firearms were present in 29% of violent posts, while gun gestures and hand signs appeared in 51% and 50% of coded posts respectively. The study highlights differences in posting behaviors across platforms, with Instagram showing more hand signs and firearms, and YouTube featuring more gun gestures. The findings suggest that gang members use social media as a means of signaling specific messages within their online communities. This research contributes to comprehending how street gangs in smaller cities leverage social media for communicating violence, offering insights that may inform law enforcement strategies. Further investigation could explore the linkage between online postings and real-world violence.

Authors

• Noelle Warkentin, Simon Fraser University

• Etienne Blais, Université de Montréal

• David Décary-Hétu, University of Montreal