Can "E-Responders" on Social Media Prevent Gang Violence?


A pilot project at New York University called "E-Responder" trained 26 anti-violence counselors at five sites across the city to interpret online posts threatening violence and intervene before virtual violence turns real. Nearly all their interventions ended peacefully. That is not conclusive proof that this prevented violence, but it's a strong correlation that inspired spreading the program to 18 more sites. Social media "cyberbanging" is the virtual equivalent of threatening gang graffiti that turns deadly. E-responders work with on-the-ground intervention teams and police to change risky behavior.

Related Stories