Abilities of Organized Crime Organizations in Using Media: The Role of Social Media in New Generation Digital Mafia

Abstract

In contemporary society, the quest for a life marked by comfort and the awareness of finite opportunities, exacerbated by the omnipresence of mass media, including television, newspapers, the internet, and social networks, has given rise to a sense of insufficiency among the younger generation. This perception fosters an insatiable desire for rapid wealth accumulation and a luxurious lifestyle, propelling some individuals toward illicit means. Regrettably, the preexisting criminal infrastructure within society often merely awaits the emergence of willing actors. Consequently, those predisposed to criminal activities converge over time, eventually culminating in the formation of organized crime syndicates. Against this backdrop, this study endeavors to scrutinize the influence of social media on the contemporary proliferation of mafia-style criminal organizations within the younger demographic, drawing upon relevant literature and conceptual analysis. The research assumes a vital role in addressing the dearth of comprehensive studies on organized crime while acknowledging the growing significance of this issue in the future. The ascension of social media has fundamentally transformed the communication strategies employed by organized crime entities, significantly contributing to the evolution of the digital mafia of the new generation. Social media platforms offer expeditious and efficient communication channels for criminal organizations. Furthermore, the alignment of mafia-style operations with cultural norms through the messages disseminated via social media channels tends to sway individuals toward criminality and violence. In summation, this conceptual review underscores the crucial interplay between social media and the contemporary landscape of organized crime, recognizing the profound implications of this dynamic for society at large.