Social norm or social harm: An exploratory study of Internet vigilantism

摘要

Following the Megan Meier MySpace hoax, public outcry for justice was large. When nothing happened under the law, Internet vigilantes took it upon themselves to dole out social justice for the slain teenager. With cyber shaming and other forms of Internet vigilante justice occurring worldwide, it is paramount to study the communication of Internet vigilantes and their calls to action. Looking through deviance and communication as social control, a better understanding of Internet vigilantism will occur. This study will help to answer what types of communication are used in the calls to action. This study will help further the study of cyber bullying, Internet vigilantism, online communication and the real world ramifications of Internet vigilantism.