In today’s digital age, social media platforms are not just tools for connection—they’re also treasure troves of information for investigators. One emerging area of intelligence gathering is the identification of gang activity and group affiliations through social media posts. From images and hashtags to emojis and clothing, online behaviors can paint a very telling picture.
The Digital Footprint of Gang Activity
Gang members and affiliated individuals often turn to platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat to share aspects of their lives. Whether consciously or not, they frequently reveal:
Symbols and hand signs
Color-coded clothing or bandanas
Group photos in known gang territory
References to specific streets, “sets,” or rivals
Hashtags tied to local or national gangs
Emojis that replace words (e.g., 🅱️ for Blood, 🐍 for “snake” or betrayal)
These clues, when collected and cross-referenced, can offer deep insights into group affiliations and potential criminal networks.
🧠 Case Studies and News Highlights
Chicago PD’s Social Media Division has long been utilizing public Facebook and Instagram posts to track gang rivalries and predict retaliation after shootings. In one case, an Instagram Live post helped them intervene before a potential violent retaliation.
A 2022 Department of Justice investigation in California used TikTok videos to tie suspects to a series of robberies. Members of a gang had been flaunting stolen items and taunting rival groups, giving investigators time-stamped evidence and location markers.
Academic research, such as the 2017 study “Digital Gangsters: Gangs and Social Media Use in Chicago” (Papachristos et al.), emphasizes how online conflict—called “Internet banging”—often escalates to offline violence.
🔧 How Investigators Can Use This Data
For private investigators, insurance companies, and law enforcement, recognizing digital gang markers can:
Validate existing suspicions or criminal history
Link individuals to known groups or criminal networks
Discredit or verify alibis using geotagged content
Support background checks for sensitive cases (e.g., custody, employment)
Aid in threat assessment or workplace security reviews
⚠️ Key Markers to Watch
When analyzing a subject’s digital footprint, consider the following as potential indicators of gang ties:
Type
Example
🧢 Clothing
Color patterns, logo flips, bandanas
🤳 Poses
Flashing hand signs, gang-specific symbols
🏷️ Hashtags
#FreeTheHomie, #GDK, #BDK, #TrapLife
🧩 Emojis
🅱️, 🐍, 💯, 🔫
📍 Locations
Frequent check-ins at known gang areas or streets
🎶 Music
Lyrics in videos referencing violence or affiliations
🛠️ Our Role in Helping You Connect the Dots
At eChatter, we specialize in analyzing digital behavior through a combination of OSINT, SOCMINT, and proprietary tools. Our team is trained to identify not just what’s visible—but what’s implied, coded, or intentionally hidden.
Through our reports, clients gain a clear view of affiliations, patterns, and risk factors. Whether you’re investigating a person of interest, building a case, or conducting due diligence, we deliver insights that matter.
Social Media users, especially younger generations, often use slang to communicate. You may have heard a phrase or two from a Gen Zer that made you pause and wonder what they meant by that! One that I hear a lot in my personal life is “spill the tea” ~ which means “tell me the gossip.” Innocent enough, but when conducting a social media deep dive on a person of interest, it is critical to educate yourself. Without knowledge of these terms, investigators might miss crucial details.
Identifying Drug Activity
Recently the publication, WIRED covered the subject of drug sales and drug use in social media. More and more dealers and consumers are using a combination of emoji’s and slang as a way to communicate. This has morphed into getting the delivery of your drugs via the USPS, rather than meeting the dealer on a street corner or in the dark web. Some dealers have even sponsored social media posts to gain more traffic. “Dealers ran hundreds of paid advertisements on Meta platforms in 2024 to sell illegal opioids and what appeared to be cocaine and ecstasy pills, according to a report this year by the Tech Transparency Project, and federal prosecutors are investigating Meta over the issue”.
Staying educated is one way to stay ahead of this. Here are some examples of the new terms used in social media along with their meanings:
Common Slang Terms Used by Drug Dealers:
Plug: Refers to a supplier or someone who can provide drugs.
Connect: Another term for a supplier or source for drugs.
Re-up: The act of replenishing a drug supply.
Slab: A large quantity of drugs, often sold in bulk.
Cut: Additives used to dilute or enhance drugs.
Cook-up: The process of preparing drugs, particularly in creating unique combinations.
Generation Z (Gen Z) generally includes individuals born between 1997 and 2012, according to the Pew Research Center. However, some sources may slightly adjust these dates, with ranges often extending from 1995 to 2010 or similar variations. As of 2025, Gen Zers are approximately 13 to 28 years old.
Generation Z has developed a vibrant wordlist of slang terms that are widely used across social media platforms. Here are some of the most popular expressions:
Rizz: Derived from “charisma,” this term refers to someone’s ability to attract or charm others, especially in a romantic context. Delulu: A playful abbreviation of “delusional,” used to describe someone who has unrealistic fantasies, particularly about relationships or personal aspirations. The ick: A sudden feeling of discomfort or repulsion towards a person, often triggered by a specific behavior or trait. Bussin’: Used to describe something exceptionally good or delicious, commonly in reference to food. Mid: A term signifying that something is mediocre or average in quality. Simp: Describes someone who is overly attentive or submissive to another person, often in a romantic context, without reciprocation. No cap: A phrase used to assert that someone is telling the truth or being genuine. Cheugy: Refers to something that is outdated or no longer trendy.
Glow up: Describes a significant transformation, often in appearance or style, indicating improvement. Stan: A blend of ‘stalker’ and ‘fan,’ it denotes someone who is an enthusiastic and devoted admirer of a celebrity or public figure. Ghosting: The act of suddenly cutting off all communication with someone without explanation, typically in a dating context. Salty: Feeling upset or bitter, often in response to a perceived slight or disappointment. Bet: A term used to express agreement or affirmation, similar to saying “okay” or “sure.” Fam: Short for “family,” but often used to refer to close friends or a trusted group. Sheesh: An exclamation used to express disbelief, admiration, or exasperation. Resource: Parade
New trails were blazed when Twitter was taken over by Elon Musk, turning the platform upside down and all around. Creating a news frenzy, Musk laid off around 6,000 of Twitter’s employees while renaming the social platform “X”. From there, new horizons emerged with the rise of platforms like Threads and Bluesky.
What is “Threads” and Why Does it Matter?
Threads is a social media platform created by Meta (the parent company of Facebook and Instagram) that focuses on micro-blogging, much like X (formerly Twitter). It’s tightly integrated with Instagram, allowing users to link their accounts and easily connect with their existing Instagram network. Threads offers a space for users to share short posts, images, and conversations in a simplified, text-first format.
Why Should a PI Know About Threads? Threads is rapidly gaining popularity, especially among younger users and those migrating from other platforms. For private investigators, it represents a valuable resource for gathering information, as users often post personal thoughts, opinions, and updates. With its connection to Instagram, Threads provides a seamless way to track digital footprints across multiple platforms.
Some Key Takeaways
Users may share location tags or events they attend.
Posts can reveal interests, affiliations, or networks.
Threads’ conversational style may highlight personal connections or conflicts.
What is Bluesky and Why Should it be on my Radar?
Bluesky is a decentralized social media platform created by former Twitter executives. It operates on a unique open-source protocol called AT Protocol, which allows users to own and control their data while still interacting with a global network. Unlike centralized platforms, Bluesky gives users the freedom to create and moderate their own communities, making it an appealing option for those who value privacy and control over their content.
Why Should a PI Know About Bluesky?
Bluesky is still growing, but it has quickly attracted a tech-savvy audience interested in decentralized platforms. For private investigators, Bluesky can provide important clues or insights into individuals’ activities.
Some Key Takeaways
Users may share more freely due to the platform’s promise of privacy and data control, offering more authentic insights.
The decentralized nature of Bluesky allows niche groups to thrive, making it easier for PIs to locate individuals in specific circles or track interests. Understanding the “target audience” associated with Bluesky may help direct you to searching through this platform.
As Bluesky gains popularity, it will likely become an important space for individuals to discuss personal or business matters, potentially revealing key information in investigations.
Bluesky is still in its early stages, but its unique structure and growing user base make it a platform worth watching for anyone in investigative work!
Breaking News, Community Engagement, and Political Shifts
You must always examine each new social media platform or app from both a macro and micro perspective. While these newer micro-blogging platforms share similarities, their underlying cultures are different. Threads, much like Instagram, fosters a community-driven environment filled with engagement, debate, and personal opinions. Though you can follow news sources, Threads is primarily focused on creating a sense of community. On the other hand, Bluesky, founded by former Twitter executives, leans more into the fast-paced, instant-news culture. It’s centered around providing real-time updates on news, global events, and political viewpoints. Even its feed, reminiscent of Twitter, prioritizes immediate posts, ensuring that breaking news stays front and center.
With the following being said, an announcement was made from MetathatThreads will be initiating more of a right for freedom of expression, constituting algorithm changes geared towards political changes through the platform. Some say this change could drive more individuals towards Bluesky but with a new political wave on the horizon, time will be the teller of all of this.
We Stay Social, So You Don’t Have To!
At E-Chatter, we’re constantly learning and integrating new social media platforms and profiles into our online searches for clients. With the digital landscape ever evolving, we stay ahead of the curve to ensure thorough due diligence is always at the forefront of our services.
As of 2024, BeReal has over 100 million downloads globally, with about 25 million daily active users. The app initially gained popularity in France, where it was launched in 2019, but it has since expanded its user base, with the United States leading in downloads. BeReal’s unique approach of encouraging users to post unfiltered, real-time content has resonated with many, particularly younger audiences, with 98% of users being under 45 years old.
BeReal is a social media app that aims to provide a more authentic and less curated experience compared to other platforms. It was launched in 2020 by French developers Alexis Barreyat and Kévin Perreau. The app encourages users to post unfiltered, real-time photos to share a more genuine snapshot of their daily lives.
Heres how it works
Daily Notification: Every day at a random time, all users receive a notification to take a photo within a two-minute window.
Dual Camera Feature: The app uses both the front and back cameras simultaneously, capturing what you are doing and your reaction in real-time.
No Edits or Filters: Users are encouraged to post photos without editing or applying filters, promoting authenticity.
Limited Interaction: There are no likes, and interactions are minimal, which shifts the focus away from seeking approval or validation from others.
BeReal has grown popular, especially among younger audiences, because it contrasts with the highly polished content often seen on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook
Be Real Search Options
BeReal doesn’t have a traditional search function like other social media platforms where you can easily find someone by their name or username. Instead, finding someone’s BeReal account requires a few specific methods:
Friend Requests via Phone Contacts: BeReal allows you to sync your phone contacts, and it will suggest people you know based on those contacts. You can add friends directly if they are already using the app.
Username or Profile Sharing: You can manually share your BeReal username or ask for someone’s username, then add them by searching for their profile in the “Add Friends” section of the app.
QR Code: Users can share a QR code that others can scan to find their profile.
BeReal focuses on close, personal connections, which is why they don’t offer broader search features or public profiles. This design aligns with their goal of fostering a more authentic, private social media experience.
As of September 2024, BeReal has been in the news for a few reasons. The app has faced scrutiny over privacy concerns and data security issues, with some critics arguing that its approach to capturing authentic moments may unintentionally compromise user privacy. Additionally, BeReal has been exploring new features and updates to maintain user engagement, such as enhanced photo editing tools and expanded social interactions. The app’s efforts to stay relevant in the competitive social media landscape are also being closely watched.
E-Chatter stays on top of new social media applications and how they are used for the purpose of sharing our expertise with our clients. BeReal is an application we include in our search efforts on your behalf. Visit our website to learn more about our company and how we come alongside you during an investigation.
Snapchat has introduced a range of features, both functional and protective, aimed at enhancing user experience while ensuring safety for kids and teens. Here’s a breakdown of Snapchat’s features and how they are working towards protecting minors on the platform.
Snapchat offers several different features and understanding all of them can be difficult at times. We have broken down some of the most used features within the application for you.
Snapchat Terms and Meanings
Snaps are photos and videos that users can send to their friends. After they are viewed they will either instantly disappear or after a 24 hour period. This depends on the settings the user as selected within this field.
Chat is used like a text message. This will disappear after being read (unless saved by the user). The user can also send audio and video messages.
Stories is a 24-hour collection of Snaps that users can post for their friends or the public to see.
Spotlight is a public space for viral short videos, like TikTok. Users can view content based on their interests.
Lenses and Filters are Augmented Reality (AR) filters and effects users can add to their photos and videos.
Discover is a feature where users can find content from publishers, creators, and influencers.
Memories is a private archive where users can save Snaps and Stories for later viewing or sharing.
Snap Map is a feature that allows users to share their location with friends or view the location of friends who have shared their location on the map.
Streaks is a fun feature that tracks how many days in a row two users have been sending each other Snaps.
Bitmoji is where users can create personalized avatars (Bitmojis) to represent themselves in Snaps and chats.
Snapchat Features for Protecting Kids and Teens
Snapchat has taken steps to make the platform safer for younger users, particularly with features aimed at privacy, limiting exposure to inappropriate content, and enabling parental controls. Additionally, Snapchat recently rolled out a resource for educators, explaining what Snapchat is, Safety at Snap, and Educators Tools and Resources. Note, that while these new features and transparency within the Snapchat corporation are aimed at assisting in the protection of minors, there are still workarounds that teens may find accessible.
Age Verification
Snapchat requires users to enter their date of birth during account creation. If users are under 13, they are restricted from creating a standard account.
Note: Users who are utilizing this platform without the supervision of an adult can still create a date of birth that is false.
Privacy Settings for Teens (13-17)
Default Friend Settings: For users under 18, Snapchat defaults to allowing communication only from their accepted friends. Strangers cannot send messages, Snaps, or friend requests unless explicitly added as friends.
Limited Discovery: Snapchat curates and limits the content teens can access in the Discover section to avoid exposure to adult or inappropriate content.
Note: Users are still able to view “friend suggestions”. This means that if Bobby, a current friend of Sarah’s, is friends with John the drug dealer, John may pop up as a “friend suggestion” to Sarah. Sarah may feel safe adding a friend of Bobby’s since Snapchats culture is all about making friends and connections.
Snap Map Privacy
Ghost Mode: Users can hide their location from others by activating Ghost Mode. By default, users must manually opt-in to share their location.
Restricting Location Sharing: For users under 18, location-sharing features are restricted to only friends they have accepted, and public location sharing is discouraged.
Two-Factor Authentication
Snapchat offers two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security, helping to protect accounts from being hacked.
In-App Reporting Tools
Safety Center: Snapchat provides a dedicated safety center for users to access guidance on privacy settings and how to report abuse.
Reporting Content: Users can report inappropriate content, bullying, harassment, or suspicious accounts within the app. Snapchat’s moderation team reviews these reports.
Restricted Friend Suggestions
Snapchat does not show accounts of teens (13-17) in Quick Add to anyone unless they have mutual friends. This helps prevent strangers from discovering their profiles.
Parental Control Features (Family Center)
Family Center: Snapchat introduced Family Center, a set of tools for parents to monitor and guide their child’s usage without directly viewing their messages.
View Friends List: Parents can see who their child is friends with, allowing them to be aware of connections without invading their child’s privacy.
Report Harmful Activity: Parents can report accounts or concerns directly to Snapchat via the Family Center.
Content Moderation and Filtering
Snapchat uses machine learning and moderation tools to detect and remove inappropriate content, especially in public sections like Discover and Spotlight.
Age-appropriate Content: Snapchat curates content and ensures that minors do not have access to channels or content labeled as inappropriate for younger audiences.
Anti-Bullying Measures
Snapchat encourages positive interactions by allowing users to control who can contact them and limiting the ways they can be discovered by others.
Disappearing Messages: Since messages disappear after being read, this discourages the spread of harmful or inappropriate content.
Blocking and Reporting: Users can easily block, report, or remove someone from their friends list, and Snapchat investigates reports of harassment or bullying.
Time Management
While Snapchat does not offer built-in time limits, it encourages parents to use third-party parental control apps to manage screen time, ensuring teens do not spend excessive time on the app.
Safety Education
Snapchat partners with organizations such as ConnectSafely and the Family Online Safety Institute to educate teens, parents, and educators about digital well-being and online safety.
No Public Profiles for Teens
Snapchat restricts users under 18 from creating public profiles, helping protect their content from being viewed by strangers.
Snapchat has designed a range of features aimed at providing a safe environment for teens while offering privacy control and parental oversight tools. While it continues to evolve and improve, the platform emphasizes privacy and safety for younger users by default.
At E-Chatter we strive to not only educate Private Investigators on how to search through social media platforms, but also shed light on social media topics such as this to educate parents, grandparents, educators, and guardians. Visit our website for additional information on how we and assist you and your online search efforts now.
