Analysis of Montreal Street Gang Profiles on Instagram: Detection and Networks

Carla Ciccazzo-Favasuli’s research examines how Montreal street gangs use social media to project identity, communicate affiliation, and share content online. The project began with an interest in firearm visibility on TikTok, but exploratory work led the research toward Instagram and YouTube, where street-gang-related content was more prominent. Her study focuses on publicly available online material and asks how these groups use digital platforms to display status, belonging, and cultural identity. 

Using a mixed-methods design, Ciccazzo-Favasuli analyzed 40 Instagram profiles and 152 YouTube videos associated with nine identified gang groups. Her findings highlight three dominant themes: the portrayal of firearms, the dynamics of group affiliation and cultural identity, and the use of symbolic ornaments such as jewelry, clothing, chains, rings, and other accessories. While firearms appeared in the content as markers of status and intimidation, they were less central than expected; expressions of gang culture, identity, and status were more prevalent.

The research suggests that law enforcement and prevention efforts should move beyond a narrow focus on violence or firearms and develop a more nuanced understanding of online symbols, gestures, visual codes, and displays of belonging. Ciccazzo-Favasuli’s work can inform social media monitoring practices, training for law enforcement, and prevention programs by helping distinguish between explicit threats and symbolic expressions of identity, visibility, and group cohesion.