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Unmasking Social Media Crimes: Types, Trends, and Impact

Rijvan Beg1, Vivek Bhardwaj2, Mukesh Kumar3, Prathamesh Muzumdar4, Aman Rajput5* and Kamal Borana6

1Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT), Bhopal, India

2School of Computer Science and Engineering, Manipal University Jaipur, Jaipur, India

3Department of CSE, Chandigarh College of Engineering, Chandigarh Group of Colleges, Jhanjeri, Punjab, India

4Department of Management, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

5Department of Computer Science & Engineering, Shri Vaishnav Vidyapeeth Vishwavidyalaya, Indore, M.P., India

6Department of CSE, Shri Vaishnav Vidyapeeth Vishwavidyalaya, Indore, India

Abstract

Social media platforms have profoundly transformed how humans interact, offering new avenues for communication and self-expression. Yet, this digital revolution has also led to the emergence of social media crimes, presenting unique challenges. This research comprehensively explores these crimes, delving into their various types, evolving trends, and wide-ranging impact on individuals, communities, and civil rights. Through a multifaceted research approach, this study meticulously investigates social media crimes, drawing from extensive literature reviews, real-world cases, legal documents, and expert insights. The research also examines the roles played by social media platforms themselves, shedding light on their policies, data-sharing practices, and enforcement methods. Both qualitative and quantitative methodologies are employed to categorize and trace the evolution of social media crimes, addressing issues such as cyberbullying, identity theft, and the dissemination of extremist content. The findings underscore the profound implications of social media crimes on individuals and society, with marginalized communities and younger generations bearing the brunt of these consequences. The paper emphasizes the need for clear guidelines governing the use of social media in intelligence gathering, particularly in cases related to community organizing and public protests. In conclusion, this research highlights the pressing necessity for legislative and technological measures to combat social media crimes and protect civil rights. It advocates for educational programs to equip law enforcement, legal professionals, and individuals with the knowledge to navigate the digital landscape responsibly while preserving fundamental rights in the digital age.

Keywords: Social media crimes, cyberbullying, identity theft, online harassment, extremist content

1.1 Introduction

Social media’s rise traces back to the early 2000s, with platforms like Friendster and MySpace laying the foundation. Facebook’s 2004 debut marked a turning point, fostering rapid social media adoption. Platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok have since become central to global online interaction. User-friendly profiles and content sharing have led to substantial online presences for individuals and communities. Social media crimes, including cyberbullying, online harassment, identity theft, cyberstalking, malware distribution, and extremist content dissemination, have grown with these platforms. Their anonymity and connectivity facilitate these activities, harming individuals and society. Statistics reveal the extent of these crimes:

• Cyberbullying: 59% of U.S. teens experience online harassment; 63% witness it.
• Identity Theft: 20% of 2020 consumer complaints to the FTC involved identity theft.
• Online Harassment: 37% of U.S. internet users aged 18-29 face online harassment.
  Extremist Content: In 2019, 59% of U.S. extremist-related murders were tied to white supremacists who used social media.

A substantial body of research and literature has begun to address various aspects of social media crimes. Studies have examined the psychological implications of online harassment, the legal dimensions of cybercrimes, and the role of social media platforms in combating harmful content. Research has also delved into the evolving strategies employed by criminals and extremists in exploiting the digital realm for their purposes. These investigations have yielded insights into the multifaceted nature of social media crimes, their causes, and the mechanisms employed to perpetrate them.

Despite the growing body of research, notable gaps persist in our understanding of social media crimes. Existing studies often focus on specific aspects of these crimes or approach them from individual disciplinary lenses. The literature tends to emphasize psychological, legal, or sociological dimensions in isolation, often overlooking the complex interplay of these factors. As a result, a comprehensive, multidisciplinary overview of social media crimes, which synthesizes their types, dynamic trends, and overarching impact, remains an unaddressed challenge.

The primary objective of this research paper is to unmask social media crimes by conducting a thorough examination of their types, trends, and impact. We aim to bridge the gaps in existing literature by providing a holistic analysis that considers psychological, legal, and sociological aspects in conjunction. We seek to categorize and track the evolution of social media crimes, identifying the latest trends and strategies employed by wrongdoers. Moreover, we aspire to uncover the extent of social media platforms’ involvement in shaping the landscape of these crimes.

This research paper will focus on a wide range of social media crimes, including but not limited to cyberbullying, online harassment, identity theft, and the dissemination of extremist content. It will encompass both qualitative and quantitative data analysis, incorporating real-world cases and expert insights. While the study will emphasize the United States, it will also draw from international cases to provide a global perspective. The research will not delve into the technical aspects of cybercrimes but will explore the sociological and psychological dimensions. Additionally, it will raise critical questions about law enforcement’s role in social media surveillance and intelligence gathering, highlighting potential ethical and legal concerns in these areas.

1.2 Related Work

A comprehensive literature survey reveals a wealth of studies and research papers that have explored various aspects of social media crimes. These studies provide valuable insights into the types, trends, and impact of these crimes and the challenges they pose to individuals and society.

• Cyberbullying and Online Harassment: Research in this area has delved into the psychological and emotional consequences of cyberbullying and online harassment. For instance, a study by Hinduja and Patchin (2010) examined the emotional and psychological impacts on victims, shedding light on the detrimental effects of online harassment.
• Identity Theft: Studies have investigated the methods and techniques employed by cybercriminals to commit identity theft on social media platforms. “Fraud on Facebook” by Arun Vishwanath and Heng Xu (2018) explores the tactics used to deceive users and steal their personal information, highlighting the sophisticated nature of these crimes.
• Extremist Content and Online Radicalization: The dissemination of extremist ideologies on social media platforms has attracted significant attention. A report by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (2019) detailed the use of social media in promoting extremist content and radicalizing individuals, contributing to the understanding of this pressing issue.
• Social Media and Law Enforcement: Research has also examined the relationship between social media and law enforcement agencies. A study by Jyoti Mishra (2019) investigates the challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with social media crimes and highlights the need for improved strategies and tools.
• Privacy Concerns and Online Security: Studies such as “The Privacy Paradox: Social Networking in the United States” by Rainie and Madden (2015) delve into the privacy concerns of social media users and the implications for online security. These concerns are closely tied to social media crimes involving data breaches and the misuse of personal information.

While these studies have contributed valuable insights, a research gap persists in providing a holistic analysis of the various types of social media crimes, their evolving trends, and the broader impact on individuals and society. Few studies have attempted to connect the dots between different types of social media crimes, the changing landscape of social media platforms, and the resulting societal consequences. This research paper aims to bridge this gap by offering a comprehensive analysis of social media crimes, their emerging trends, and their profound impact on individuals and communities.

1.3 Social Media

Social media has become an integral part of modern society, reshaping the way we communicate, share information, and connect with others. It encompasses a wide range of platforms, each with its unique features and purposes.

The history of social media platforms is a captivating journey that has fundamentally reshaped the way we connect, communicate, and disseminate information. This evolution has spanned several decades and has seen the rise and fall of numerous platforms, each leaving a significant mark on the social...