Work

From Gray to Black Markets – A Quasi-Experimental Study on Algorithmically Driven Digital Drift Opportunities on Social Media

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Objectives: This study examines how social media algorithms on platforms such as Snapchat contribute to the digital drift from legal to illegal content.Methods: A novel experiment was conducted using 40 covert profiles engaging with grey markets on Snapchat. These profiles engaged with legal content related to nicotine products or digital sex work. The study involved monitoring whether Snapchat’s friend recommendation algorithm would suggest connections to illegal drug dealers.Results: Within four days, 65% of the profiles were directed to drug dealers through Snapchat’s recommendations despite no prior engagement with illegal content. This shows that the algorithm can push users from legal to illegal activities directly in the app.Conclusions: The findings highlight the role of social media algorithms in enabling digital drift into crime, transforming these platforms from offender convergence spaces to facilitators of illegal activities. Further research should explore algorithmic biases and their implications for digital criminology.

Source: Deviant Behavior

DOI: 10.1080/01639625.2025.2550351

Authors: Kristoffer Aagesen, Jakob Demant

Institution: University of Copenhagen

Language: English

Topic: Cybercrime and Law Enforcement Studies

Subfield: Information Systems

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: TrygFonden