Gangs and social media: A systematic literature review and an identification of future challenges, risks and recommendations. (July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fernández-Planells, Ariadna; Orduña-Malea, Enrique; Feixa Pàmpols, Carles
• Other Names: Ørmen Jacob guest-editor.; Helles Rasmus guest-editor.; Jensen Klaus Bruhn guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: New media & society. Volume 23:Number 7(2021)
• Page Start: 2099
• Page End: 2124
• Publication Date: 2021-07
• Subjects: Bibliometrics -- content analysis -- gangs -- Google Scholar -- Scopus -- social media -- social networking sites -- systematic review -- youth street groups; Mass media -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Mass media and culture -- Periodicals; Information technology -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Internet -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 302.2305
• DOI: 10.1177/1461444821994490
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1461-4448

Abstract

Gang literature increasingly reflects the importance of social media in gang lifestyle, as gang members adopt new communicative practices. Yet, because of the multifaceted nature of online gang activity and the diversity of methodologies employed, a general overview of research outcomes is not easily achieved. This article seeks to remedy this by analysing academic studies of gang use of social media. A systematic literature review was conducted in Scopus and Google Scholar databases, which led to the identification of 73 publications. We then undertook a content analysis of each publication using an exhaustive evaluation model, comprising 20 variables and 71 categories. A bibliometric analysis was also performed to determine the structural characteristics of the research community that generates these publications. Our results point to an emerging universe of publications with different themes, methods, samples and ethical protocols. The challenges, risks and recommendations for future social media research with youth street groups are identified.