Everyone's using the net for social networking, even gangs. So it should come as no surprise that gang members are recruiting new members and intimidating their rivals online.
Google will only grant you 691 results for the term 'Net Banging', but the definition fits the trend, “By posting online content that glorifies the thug lifestyle, gangs are using the Web to recruitâ€"some using children as young as 8 years old as part of the online recruiting process, known as 'Net Banging.' - DoubleTongued.org
Webnation's Amber MacArthur broke the story on CityTV, noting the global spread, “Turns out this is not only something that happens in urban centres in the US, it's happening right here in Toronto.â€
Although I think their website could use a major facelift, NoToGangs.org is an Ontario site dedicated to educating the community about the risks and consequences of gang involvement.
Net Banging
Gangs Online for Recruiting and Intimidating
Trend Themes
1. Online Gang Recruitment - The trend of gangs using the internet to recruit new members, including children as young as 8 years old, known as 'Net Banging.'
2. Social Media Intimidation - Gang members leveraging social media platforms to intimidate their rivals online.
3. Global Spread of Gang Networking - Gangs using the internet for recruiting and intimidating not only in urban centers in the US but also in cities like Toronto, showcasing the global reach of this trend.
Industry Implications
1. Law Enforcement - Law enforcement agencies can leverage disruptive innovation opportunities to develop online surveillance and intelligence systems to counter gang recruitment and intimidation tactics.
2. Digital Education - The digital education industry can create online platforms and resources to educate communities about the risks and consequences of gang involvement.
3. Social Media Monitoring - Companies specializing in social media monitoring and analytics can help identify and report instances of online gang recruitment and intimidation to law enforcement agencies.