Social media & Criminal Justice

 For this week's social Digital Law and Order post we will be delving deeper into how social media plays a huge role in shaping communication, awareness, and public perception in criminal justice as well as the justice system. Platforms such as Twitter/ X, Instagram, and TikTik are all used for things like: sharing information, raising awareness about cases, holding institutions and individuals accountable, and communication between the public and law enforcement. 

The advantages of social media in criminal justice can include lots of different components. It amplifies voices that otherwise may have gone unheard had they not gone to social media platforms. It brings attention to situations of police misconduct, wrongful arrests, and systemic bias. A huge plus is that it encourages transparency between the public and law enforcement agencies, which leads to holding people accountable. And it can help law enforcement officers share updates directly with the public, as well as go to the public for help or to keep a lookout. 

Though there can be downsides to social media when it comes to the criminal justice system. Social media is something you have access to through devices, but not everyone has equal access to social media or the internet. Digital devices and how many a person or a home may have can be impacted by income, geographical location, education level, and even age. Some people lack reliable internet or devices when it comes to social media. The impact of lack of access to these devices can limit someone’s ability to document as well as share incidents. This includes police encounters, or misconduct, etc. Lack of access can also reduce noticibility for certain communities and the experiences they go through. Access brings a sense of right in certain situations as it allows you to be more well informed on situations you may encounter, lack of access stops people in these communities from safety alerts and resources that everyone should equally have.

Solutions for a more equitable future include that access should be expanded when it comes to affordable internet for all, as technology will continue to shape policing, surveillance, and legal processes. Improving digital literacy can help people to become more aware of what is going on around them. When communities have the proper tools to safely engage online it can benefit everyone around them especially in their community. Overall social media can improve the criminal justice system, but only if the access is fair and equal for all. Without equity, social media can deepen existing inequalities rather than reduce them.