Gangs and TikTok: A Content Analysis of Violence Exposure on Social Media

• In Event: Crime and Justice in Digital Media

Abstract

This thesis investigates how TikTok is used by individuals who self-identify as gang members in the Atlanta metropolitan area, with an emphasis on the nature and extent of violence exposure such content might present to broader audiences. Drawing upon Social Learning Theory, the study examines the ways in which gang-affiliated users produce and share videos, highlight specific behaviors, and employ hashtags to boost visibility. A mixed-method content analysis of publicly available posts assesses recurring themes such as intimidation, revenge, grief, and the glorification of violence. Quantitative measures—likes, comments, shares, and saves—reveal the substantial reach of these posts, underscoring their potential influence on viewers, particularly vulnerable youth users. Qualitative exploration of the videos further illustrates how online personas are constructed to project wealth, power, and affiliation with criminal activities. The findings raise concerns about the normalization of violence and its possible offline consequences, including retaliatory actions and broader community harm. Policy implications center on the need for platform oversight, youth engagement strategies, and interagency cooperation to reduce harm. Limitations related to verifying actual gang membership and future avenues for research, including algorithmic influences and longitudinal impacts, are also discussed.

Author

• Paige Giddens, Georgia State University