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.
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 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.
In the business world, one could say with confidence that everyone is spying on everyone else. It’s a given and possibly more popular within certain industries. Competitive Intelligence initiatives in business is almost critical for the business owner. Whether the company is small, medium, or large, this type of intelligence gathering is important. Now with open source research options, it is so much more detailed than ever before. Let’s start with the basics.
What Is Competitive Intelligence?
Competitive intelligence, sometimes referred to as corporate intelligence, refers to the ability to gather, analyze, and use information collected on competitors, customers, and other market factors that contribute to a business’s competitive advantage. Competitive intelligence is important because it helps businesses understand their competitive environment and the opportunities and challenges it presents. Businesses analyze the information to create effective and efficient business practices. (Investopedia.com)
This is an example of coffee brands across three social media platforms. The example if provided by the software company Sprout Social as an example of what this type of research uncovers
Types of Investigations
Marketing : One of the key reasons to conduct competitive intelligence is to gain a marketing advantage. One of the best ways is to use social media listening, which identifies the company’s online reputation. What do employees say about the company? What about customers? There are multiple software platforms out there that do exactly this as an ongoing part of their marketing plan. They can identify the effectiveness of the company’s digital and social media marketing, as you can see in the image above from Sprout Social. Sprinklr is another good example of this type of software. Another excellent option is to use mystery shopping. Our parent company, Ann Michaels & Associates, has conducted this type of research many times over the years. With a data base of over 300,000 evaluators we are able to find just the right person to perform the research. The shopper poses as a business looking for pricing on a service or product from the company’s competitor. This allows for a very up close and personal look at the competition’s sales techniques, customer service levels and pricing.
Mergers and Acquisitions: Research is key when looking at a company to purchase or merge with. Investigating their reputation, online and off is important. We have conducted open source research on not only the company, but also on individual stakeholders. This allows for a good overall impression.
This can be a good source of income for the Private Investigator. Be sure to list it on your website and talk to clients about it.
