Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2019 Law Enforcement Perception of Social Media as an Influence in Mass Shootings Jazma Mekelle Parker Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Sociology Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Jazma Parker has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Melanye Smith, Committee Chairperson, Criminal Justice Faculty Dr. Kimberley Blackmon, Committee Member, Criminal Justice Faculty Dr. Daniel Jones, University Reviewer, Criminal Justice Faculty Chief Academic Officer and Provost Sue Subocz, Ph.D. Walden University 2019 Abstract Law Enforcement Perception of Social Media as an Influence in Mass Shootings by Jazma M. Parker MA, University of Phoenix, 2011 BS, University of West Georgia, 2009 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Criminal Justice Walden University November 2019 Abstract Mass shootings have been a persistent issue in the United States, and the underlying factors that continue to influence this crime are not yet evident. This study explored the effects of social media as an influence on mass shootings in the United States. Its purpose was to address the role of social media in spreading opinionated ideologies. The research question addressed the role of social media in influencing the actions of perpetrators of mass shootings in the United States. The study framework was based on the social ecological model to facilitate classification of the susceptibilities of social media users to adverse ideologies; 7 experts on mass shootings were interviewed in the study. Findings revealed that social media tend to influence mass shooting in 4 capacities: as enablers of the conceptualization process of the crime until the final act of mass violence; as facilitators of the individual or personal agenda of the mass shooter; as platforms that harness emerging technology for knowledge building during the planning phase and create operational efficiency for the final act; and as coordinators of group or symphonic terrorism. Government authorities in charge of combating mass shootings perform their tasks through actionable intelligence, legislation and policy, training of police and other first responders, mechanical barriers or deterrents, and brainstorming for new techniques and strategies. They are, however, constrained by considerable odds, which often come conjointly with their methods of crime resolution and strategies. Predictive technologies, as vehicles to fight or prevent mass shootings, have limiting influences on government action, particularly relating to the First and Fourth Amendments and the culture of hate that is nurtured and sustained through social media. Law Enforcement Perception of Social Media as an Influence in Mass Shootings by Jazma M. Parker MA, University of Phoenix, 2011 BS, University of West Georgia, 2009 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Criminal Justice Walden University November 2019 Dedication I dedicate this dissertation to my mentor—Judge Adele P. Grubbs of the Cobb County Superior Court. I cannot thank you enough for the support and encouraging words you have given me over the years. I would also like to acknowledge my second mother—Mrs. Myrtice Stephens. I know if you were here today, you would be elated at the educational progression I have made since completing my undergraduate studies. I know you will be with me at commencement in spirit. I miss and love you, dearly. Rest in peace. Finally, I would like to dedicate this dissertation to all survivors and first responders whose lives will be forever changed by the catastrophic events that formed the foundation of this study. Acknowledgments First and foremost, I would like to give honor and glory to the head of my life— Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Thank you for always taking care of me. I now understand the advancements and successes I have made in my life have been your plan for me all along. Thank you for protecting, leading, guiding, and loving me. I also want to thank my spiritual advisor—Wanda A. Callahan. Thank you for always giving me sound advice and support. Thank you for always giving me an encouraging word and learning the importance of never settling. I love you, dearly! I want to thank Celestine “Missy” Robinson, for being a fantastic cousin! You have always encouraged me to reach for the stars and never allow trivial issues to take me off my path for greatness. I love you immensely! I would like to say a special thank you to my adopted aunt Norma J. Lincoln for teaching me, to never place limits on what I can achieve in life. To my mentor, Michelle C. Lewis for teaching me the importance and value of education, being independent, and taking personal responsibility for my success. Finally, I would like to extend a special thank you to my educators—Mrs. Marjorie Kellogg, Mrs. Paula Broadaway, Mrs. Sheila Cooper, Dr. Catherine “Cathi” Jenks, Dr. Kimberley Blackmon, and Dr. Melanye Smith, who have worked diligently to set me up for intellectual success and not mediocrity Table of Contents Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ............................................................................................... 1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 1 Background ............................................................................................................................... 3 Problem Statement .................................................................................................................... 6 Purpose of the Study ................................................................................................................. 8 Research Question .................................................................................................................... 9 Conceptual Framework of the Study: The Social Ecological Model ....................................... 9 Nature of the Study ................................................................................................................. 11 Definitions............................................................................................................................... 12 Assumptions ............................................................................................................................ 13 Scope and Delimitations ......................................................................................................... 14 Limitations .............................................................................................................................. 15 Significance............................................................................................................................. 17 Summary ................................................................................................................................. 20 Chapter 2: Literature Review ........................................................................................................ 21 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 21 Background Information ......................................................................................................... 22 History of Journalism and Its Role in Enforcing the Constitution.................................... 23 Origins and Effects of the Media on Public Perception .................................................... 25 The Advent of Social Media ............................................................................................. 26 i Literature Search Strategy....................................................................................................... 28 Conceptual Framework ........................................................................................................... 29 Review of the Current Literature ............................................................................................ 32 Citizen Journalism ............................................................................................................ 32 Traditional Journalism Versus Citizen Journalism ........................................................... 35 The Impact of Citizen Journalism on the Spread of Information ..................................... 38 Traditional Media Versus Social Media in Reference to Mass Shootings ....................... 40 Psychological Effects of Social Media ............................................................................. 42 Reports of Mass Shootings ............................................................................................... 44 Suicide Contagion