One of the most fascinating aspects of social media for me has always been the psychological angle or behavioral science to it all. Behavioral science is a field that analyses human behavior. It focuses on observing, describing, explaining, predicting, and modifying behavior through systematic observation and manipulation of environmental variables. This can be applied to social media in various ways. Marketers have been doing it for years~ profiling users of social media to better advertise their products or services. In fact, social media can even be used to better understand population dietary behaviors. The review identified 34 studies involving social media analysis (SMA). They took a deep dive on alcohol consumption, dieting and eating away from home behaviors. Twitter was predominant with data sets in tens of millions.
This is nothing new for OSINT researchers, Investigative Journalists, Law Enforcement, and Private Investigators. We have learned just how much you can discover through various platforms from finding a missing child to uncovering financial fraud and everything in between.
We like to start off by examining the age of the person and which platforms they are more likely to be on.
Demographics of Platforms: AGE
The recent data from Pew Research may suggest we should pay closer attention to certain social media platforms based on age. YouTube and Facebook still remain the top two most used platforms across all demographics. This data is a good place to start and may help to uncover different usernames that can later be used to identify other platforms.
Understanding User Behavior
Behavior analysis can be used to study how individuals interact with social media platforms. Researchers can observe and analyze user behavior patterns, such as the frequency of posting, types of content shared, and interactions with others (e.g., likes, comments, shares). How much influence does the user have? Which friends or followers seem to interact with the user the most? In what capacity?
Location: Posts may contain information about a person’s location, such as check-ins or geotags, which can be used to verify alibis or track movements.
Relationships: Posts may reveal a person’s relationships with others, such as friends, family, or acquaintances, which can be used to identify potential suspects or witnesses.
Activities: Posts may provide information about a person’s activities, such as hobbies, interests, or daily routines, which can be used to establish patterns of behavior or gather evidence of illegal activities.
Emotions: Posts may reveal a person’s emotions, such as anger, sadness, or happiness, which can be used to assess their mental state and motivations.
Communications: Posts may contain messages, comments, or other communications with others, which can be used to identify potential witnesses or suspects, and to gather evidence of criminal activities.
Body Language
Technically, body language refers to the nonverbal signals that we convey through our physical movements and gestures, which are typically seen in person. However, in social media videos, you can still convey nonverbal cues through your facial expressions, tone of voice, and posture.
For example, facial expressions can show enthusiasm or sadness, change the tone of your voice will convey different emotions, and gestures may be used to emphasize certain points. Voice inflections can be a sign of stress or anxiety.
Studying a social media post’s background can be very telling as well. For example, a cluttered or messy background may communicate disorganization or lack of attention to detail, while a professional or clean background may communicate professionalism and attention to detail.
Social media posts can provide valuable clues in an investigation, as they can reveal a person’s thoughts, emotions, activities, and connections with others.
There are and will continue to be a wide range of reasons to pay close attention to social media for an investigation of any kind.
In the world of OSINT and Social Media, Cultural Intelligence is the understanding of the role culture plays in your subject’s day to day life. It can play a part in their interests, hobbies, word choices, religion, work, etc.. For instance, social media posts might include specialized language that becomes understandable only when we possess sufficient knowledge about the culture, enabling us to recognize distinctive word choices, iconology, or symbols.
A few years back we wrote, “The Role Culture Plays in Social Media Research” which provided some real life examples of how different cultures use language. During a recent search, our Senior Spanish Analyst uncovered a post that would lead the average person to think this individual was talking about her son. She called our person of interest her “Mijo” or “Hijo“ translated literally to mean son. Upon further investigation, our analyst knew from other data resources, that this woman was not his mother. It did indicate; however, she was a fan of his. Someone whom this woman held dear. The word son in Spanish can be used as a term of endearment or for someone you feel affection for.
Examples of Cultural Differences in Social Media
Self-Promotion vs. Humility:
In some Western cultures, self-promotion is common, and individuals may openly share their achievements and successes on social media. In certain Asian cultures, humility is valued more, and individuals may be more reserved in showcasing personal accomplishments to avoid appearing boastful.
The use of hashtags varies across cultures. While some cultures may embrace and create trending hashtags for various causes, others may not use them as frequently or may have different conventions for their use.
Personal vs. Professional Branding:
Cultural norms influence the balance between personal and professional content. In some cultures, people may seamlessly integrate personal and professional aspects of their lives on social media, while others maintain a clear distinction.
Social Media Posting
Frequency and Timing of Posts:
Cultural expectations regarding the frequency and timing of social media posts can differ. Some cultures may value regular updates, while others may prefer more selective and thoughtful sharing.
Response to Conflict:
Cultural norms play a role in how individuals respond to conflicts or disagreements on social media. Some cultures may prioritize maintaining harmony and avoid public confrontations, while others may engage in more direct debates.
Privacy Settings and Sharing:
Attitudes towards privacy impact how individuals configure their privacy settings. Some cultures may be more comfortable with public profiles, while others prefer stricter privacy controls.
Visual Content Preferences:
Cultural aesthetics influence the types of visual content shared. For instance, certain cultures may appreciate minimalist and clean designs, while others may prefer more vibrant and intricate visuals.
Community Building:
Cultural values shape the formation and participation in online communities. Some cultures may place a strong emphasis on building supportive and inclusive communities, while others may focus more on individual expression.
Language and Multilingualism:
Multilingualism is common on social media, and cultural context affects language use. Some cultures may use a mix of languages in their posts, reflecting the diversity within their community.
These examples highlight the diverse ways in which cultural differences manifest on social media platforms, influencing user behavior, content creation, and interaction styles. This is helpful when investigating a person of interest which may lead to critical information regarding your case.
Dive into the unpredictable world of modern romance, where the once alluring dating pool has morphed into a chaotic dance of disappointment. Pose the question to any of your single friends about their dating escapades, and you’ll likely be greeted with a disheartening grunt or a groan that echoes the struggles of love in today’s world.
Picture this battlefield called love, where tales unfold like a riveting saga interwoven with the pitfalls of dating apps, cringe-worthy matches, and the spine-tingling phenomenon of ghosting. It’s not just a casual dip into the dating scene; it’s a full-blown immersion into a realm where emotions run wild, and the pursuit of genuine connection feels like an epic quest.
To make matters worse, dating apps are a breeding ground for cheaters. Not only do you as a single individual have to navigate through finding a potential love connection, you have to be safe in doing so. There is always the potential that someone is impersonating who they say they are.
Once a Cheater…
Jana Hocking, a columnist for the NY post and other publications, shared her experience in a recent NY Post article. As many do through dating applications, Hocking matched with a man who stated he was from the UK. His name was Sebastian, “Seabass” for short. One thing led to another and Sebastian added her to his Whatsapp account. Quickly Hocking noticed he placed a privacy setting on their chat, erasing all messages between them. “Why would he need his messages to be wiped? Hocking thought, “My spidey senses began to alert me that something wasn’t quite right.” From there, Hocking went onto a Facebook Group she is apart of called “Sis, is this your Man?”, looking for any clues on the man she matched with. Upon further digging she discovered the site FaceCheckID, and decided to place the dates photograph into the site. To her dismay, Sebastian really wasn’t who he said he was, in fact, his name was entirely different. An Instagram pulled up on the subject, called Robert, with a lovely photo of his wife and children.
Online Research Tips
Identifying a cheater can feel like an impossible task. Especially when dating appsthemselves feel like the wild west. When someone wants to remain completely hidden, more than likely they will, but there is always, always that chance they mess up or are noticeable. Here are a few helpful tips from our expert analysts when conducting your own personal search on a cheater.
Facebook Groups- There are countless Facebook Groupsnationwide and within your area, that have been created for the sole purpose of exposing cheaters. Hop onto your Facebook page, and start to search for groups that are local to you or even those in different states, depending on the circumstances of your case.
Some common Facebook Group Titles are:
“Do We Have the Same Boyfriend?”
“Does Anyone Know Who This Is”
“Sis, Is This your Man?”
“Cheaters Group”
“Are We Dating the Same Person?”
Social Media Deep Dive- You never know what is truly out there on an individual until you take the time to really search it out. We always recommend taking time to identify an individuals social media and online presence. It takes but one tiny detail identified to elevate your findings and case.
Conversation Apps-WhatsApp is a fantastic application to identify related to your subject. Depending on a person of interests app settings, sometimes other apps they are connected to can be shown through their profile. We have seen a few times where a Tinder or Bumble account is pulled up on an individual, simply by checking if they has a WhatsApp account.
Cash Apps- Depending on the privacy settings an individual has set through certain Cash applications, this can be another way to identify who your person of interest may be hanging around or with.
Dating Apps- Dive into the dating applications that are out there. Here are a few apps cheaters could easily sign up for and choose: Badoo, Tinder, Ashley Maddison, Bumble, Lovoo.
Secret Mesaging Apps- Does your client have access to the said cheaters phone? There are several secret messaging appsthat they could identify such as Calculator Pro+, Hide My Text, Hago, Plato, Yubo, AmongChat.
We have countless requests from Private Investigators and Attorneys, from their clients, requesting information on if their partner or spouse is cheating. At E-Chatter our robust software, OSINT skills, and knowledgeable analysts all work together to identify cheaters.
In today’s hyperconnected world, social media applications have become the go-to space for people to share their thoughts, feelings, opinions and experiences. While social media has endless benefits, such as staying connected with friends, family and the world at large, the boundaries between personal and professional life have never been blurrier. It is well known to some, but sadly not all, that what you share on social media can have a profound impact on your career and personal reputation. It’s a double-edged sword, a powerful tool for self-expression and networking, but one that can also be a slippery slope, potentially costing you your job and damaging your reputation in the blink of an eye. There are many ways, within the intricate web of social media, you can experience real-world consequences of the content you choose to share.
Current Events
First of all it has to be taken into account that the world is currently under a considerable amount of stress. Natural disasters have resulted in loss of lives, widespread destruction, and escalated tensions among nations and individuals. At this very moment, we are watching an unfolding conflict between Israel and Hamas, prompting people from all around the globe to express their thoughts, feelings, emotions, and political stances on social media regarding this complex issue. This war has ignited powerful sentiments worldwide, with many taking sides in this particular conflict.
The Associated Press (AP) recently found themselves in a predicament when one of their reporters, stationed in Gaza, was discovered to have a long history of publicly condemning Israel as anoppressive, apartheid regime. This raised concerns about the reporter’s ability to provide objective coverage of this conflict. A deep examination of the reporter’s X profile (Twitter) uncovered multiple tweets dating back to 2019, reinforcing the perceptions that his views on Israel were deeply rooted.
As a result, AP has taken the steps of relieving the reporter from his duties and is actively investigating his social media history. Interestingly enough, this is not the first time such an incident has occurred at AP. In 2021, the organization hired and subsequently fired a Stanford graduate who had previously posted anti-Israel contenton social media. The question is, did either of these employees ever wonder if what they shared on their social media would be reviewed by their employer?
Social Media and the Hiring Process
Recent data from The Harris Pollrevealed that a significant 71% of hiring decision makers concur on the effectiveness of scrutinizing candidates’ social media profiles as a screening tool. This statistic underscores a proud shift in the way our society approaches hiring practices. Social media’s influence has grown to such an extent that your resume is no longer the sole focus during the application process.
DeeAnn Sims-Knight, the visionary founder of Dark Horse PR, aptly captures this evolving landscape: “Because we tend to view our personal social media accounts as being “personal”, there’s a good chance that by viewing someone’s profile, you’ll get a glimpse into their personality beyond their resume.”
In this digital age, where our online presence can be as impactful as our real-world identity, it has become increasingly vital for job seekers and professionals alike to carefully curate their digital footprint. Your online presence isn’t just an extension of your resume; it’s an essential part of your professional identity.
Social Media and the Workplace
Over the course of our seven years in business at E-CHATTER, we have seen first hand human behavior through social media and the role it plays in the workplace. According to Zippia, 98% of workershave social media for their own personal use. Alongside that statistic, 77% of workers report using and engaging with social media at work. It is not uncommon for employees to exhibit patterns and tendencies when sharing content online throughout their day. Many individuals are drawn to sharing an abundance of personal information. According to Harry Denley, a hacker and Security and Anti-Phishing at MyCrypo, said: “Most people are very verbose about what they share online. You can find virtually anything…”
People Magazine shared some truly astonishing testimonies of individuals who either experienced firsthand or witnessed the repercussions of their online activities. One particularly shocking case involved a nurse who shared posts to her Facebook such as, “Soooooo sleepy here in the ICU. Will someone please code and give me something exciting to do? #isthatbad?” alongside racist comments. What made this even more astonishing was that the nurse had tagged her posts with the location of the hospital where she worked.
Another example within the article showcased a co-worker who was dismissed from their job for indulging in marijuana and alcohol during work hours and proudly shared photos of these activities to social media. Unsurprisingly, their boss discovered the incriminating posts and promptly terminated the employee.
One of the most ironic stories shared of them all was the tale of a firefighter who was let go from his position after leaving work multiple times for an “emergency”. He was later caught sharing images to social media of him swimming in a pool and riding quads posting, “sometimes you just need to F-off from work”.
Social Media Oversharing
To comprehend this tendency, we must consider the unique dynamics of social media. Many perceive it as an outlet where they can shout into the void, assuming their posts will go unnoticed or that their identity will remain concealed. Sharing on social media offers a buffer period between the confession and the consequences, completely removing the power of face-to-face interactions. More than anything, most underlying reasons for oversharing on social media have to do with chasing clout or those “15 minutes of fame”. It can alleviate feelings of isolation, connecting individuals with like-minded people who empathize with their experiences.
With these insights in mind, E-CHATTER approaches online investigations with the understanding that there is a high likelihood that someone, at some point, may have inadvertently shared crucial information. Let’s consider a few real-life stories that vividly illustrate the unforeseen consequences of thoughtless digital actions.
Social Media History
While some individuals face termination in the workplace due to their current posts or comments, others may be terminated based on their social media history. Depending on the company’s policies, your social media past can hold as much significance as the posts made during your tenure. E-CHATTER has taken on cases that involved scrutinizing individuals due to discrepancies in their work history as listed on their resume. In one notable instance, an individual asserted that they had long-term employment with some of the most prestigious companies and organizations in their industry, a claim that didn’t stand up to analysis.
As our investigation unfolded it became evident that this individual was operating online under a different name. They were actively hosting a podcast that delved into their life, exposing a trail of admissions related to drug use and inappropriate content. This revelation proved to be a potential catastrophe averted for the employer, underscoring the importance of thorough background checks and the observance of a potential hire’s digital footprint.
In conclusion, the ever-expanding digital landscape has significantly altered the way we perceive and interact with the professional world. Employers must recognize the importance of closely monitoring their employees’ and potential hires’ online presence, especially in relation to sensitive topics such as race, sex, and discrimination. By proactively addressing and mitigating any harmful or inappropriate online content, businesses can not only safeguard their own reputation but also foster a more inclusive and respectful work environment. In today’s interconnected society, the boundary between one’s personal and professional life has become increasingly blurred, making it imperative for employers to adapt to these new realities and take a proactive stance in promoting a workplace culture that upholds respect, diversity, and equalityfor all.
Conducting an online investigation on a corporation involves gathering information about the company from a variety of online resources. It is used for many purposes; some of which include, gaining insights to its operations, financial health, reputation and more. A PI investigating a corporation typically follows a systematic approach to gather information, uncover potential wrongdoing, and provide valuable insights to their clients. This includes collecting publicly available information about the corporation. Researching its history, key personnel, financial records, public statements, news articles, etc… There are several different reasons why a corporation might hire an Investigator to conduct online research. Some of the most common are listed below.
Due Diligence: Investigations on corporations for potential investors, partners, or clients. This might involve verifying financial information, assessing the company’s reputation, investigating key executives, and uncovering any hidden risks.
Intellectual Property Theft: Looking into cases of intellectual property theft or industrial espionage. PIs can gather evidence to identify culprits and prevent further theft.
Competitive Intelligence: Assisting companies by gathering online information about their competitors, including market strategies, product developments, and potential vulnerabilities.
Corporate Security Assessments: PIs might be hired to assess a corporation’s security protocols, vulnerabilities, and potential threats, helping the company improve its security measures.
Insurance Fraud: Private investigators can assist insurance companies in investigating potential fraudulent claims made by corporations, such as property damage or liability claims.
Litigation Support: Private investigators can provide evidence and information that supports legal cases involving corporations, such as in cases of contract disputes, intellectual property infringement, or wrongful termination.
Online Resources to Use
We use several online resources, but the few mentioned below are worth mentioning. Like any other deep web dive, each site potentially offers breadcrumbs that can be used in your investigation.
Open Corporates (https://opencorporates.com ) Collects and aggregates data from various public sources, such as company registers, government records, and other official documents. The platform then organizes and presents this data in a standardized format, making it easier to search and analyze. Users can access information about a company’s legal status, ownership, financial history, and more. Ripoffreport (https: ripoffreport.com) is a consumer complaint website that allows individuals to post complaints and reviews about businesses, products, and services.
Glass Door (https://www.glassdoor.com) This site is a job and recruiting website that allows employees and former employees to anonymously review companies and their management, provide salary information, and share insights about the interview process.
LittleSis (https://littlesis.org/) This site is used for tracking and researching the connections and relationships among powerful individuals, organizations, and corporations in the United States. It allows users to create and access profiles of influential people, companies, politicians, and non-profit organizations. These profiles include information on their affiliations, board memberships, political contributions, financial interests, and other relevant data.
Crunchbase (https://crunchbase.com) is a platform that provides information about companies and startups, including their funding, key personnel, products or services, and other relevant business details.
Corporate Case Study
We were hired recently to conduct several deep web scans on companies and their C-Suite executives. The Investigator worked with a client who was about to do some major business with three businesses and wanted to know everything about them before jumping into a business relationship. When completed, one could get an excellent picture of the overall reputation of the companies. The group of companies were business to consumer, so there were a lot of online reviews from various sites from Amazon to Yelp. Social media played a significant role. Newspaper articles published online were included as well as company generated press releases. As you can imagine, it was a large report.
Don’t forget About the Employees
The next step in our corporate case study was to identify online profiles and information on key executives in each organization. Why was this important? By conducting this research, it revealed how the employees felt about working for the company. It also ruled out any social media violations in the workplace. Our research included looking for any of the following areas of interest.
Sharing Confidential Information: Posting sensitive company information, trade secrets, financial data, or proprietary information on social media platforms without authorization.
Harassment and Bullying: Using social media to target, harass, or bully colleagues, supervisors, or other individuals within or outside the organization.
Discriminatory Remarks: Making discriminatory comments, including those related to race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics, which can create a hostile work environment.
Defamation and Libel: Making false or damaging statements about the company, coworkers, or management that could harm their reputation or result in legal consequences.
Negative Publicity: Sharing negative opinions, complaints, or criticism about the company, products, or services, which could potentially harm the company’s image or business relationships.
It always amazes me what people will post online. Even in the age of increased privacy awareness, people get carried away sometimes with the personal information they post online. It may have been posted years ago but can come back to haunt them in an investigation.
