Ripple Effects of Posts in Online Communities

• In Event: The Role of Technology in Perceptions of Crime and Victimization Risk

Abstract

This study examines whether crime-related posts in online communities trigger a chain reaction, leading to an increase in similar posts within a short period. Unlike general social media, these platforms are tied to users' actual neighborhoods, meaning that what people see online directly relates to their physical surroundings. When residents come across crime-related posts, they may become more aware of their environment and more likely to share their concerns or observations. While research has shown that media can shape crime perceptions and fear, less is known about how these effects play out in digital neighborhood spaces. By analyzing posting patterns over time, this study explores whether an initial crime-related post influences the frequency and nature of later posts.

Authors

• I-Ching Jen, George Mason University

• Hyunji Lee, George Mason University