Delinquent Groups Activity in the Virtual World: A Comparison between Gang Members in the Us and Members of Bands in Israel

The study examines the differences and similarities in online behavior and criminal activity between gang members in the US and youth bands in Israel (the term, “gang,” has been used in Israel only for groups involved in serious violent crime and the expression “band” is commonly used). Drawing on routine activity theory, the study examines the role of online activities (e.g. hours spent online, YouTube use, social network use) and online gang-related activities (e.g., gangs have websites, organize and recruit online, view the web as important) in online offending and deviance. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with 136 current gang members in the US and 57 gang members in Israel. Findings indicate that there are differences in online activities of gang members and gangs across countries, although levels of offending are largely similar. Furthermore, the analyses reveal that online routines were positively related to online offending of gang members in the US, while only technological ability was significantly related to offending in Israel. We discuss these findings in the context of existing research on gangs and the web, offer directions for future research and suggest some response strategies.