The Digital Human

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Aleks Krotoski explores the digital world

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The Digital Human: Series 18: Character Witness

Character Witness

Series 18

BBC Radio 4 - The Digital Human, Series 18, Character Witness

Aleks Krotoski on how social media is being used as a character witness to convict.

In Chicago gang territory is now defined online through profiles, posts and uploaded music. No-one can claim to be neutral anymore with 58 gang factions within a six-mile radius.

Gangs are territorial, every street, every block is mapped out according to who’s in charge, where. It’s still true today. But now that the internet is where we do so much of our social lives, gangland has also gone online. Territory isn’t just where you physically operate, but where the mind wanders as well, but what happens when staking out territory online is then used as evidence to convict you in the real world? In this episode, we’re looking at what this means for the people caught up in gang warfare, how a social media profile can keep you safe but at the same time be used as a character witness against you. Featuring former gang members and gang mediators from Chicago Aleks finds out how social media along with poverty is trapping young people in fractured communities, into a cycle of violence and revenge.

Produced by Kate Bissell 
With thanks to YBH Honcho for the use of his music

The Digital Human: Series 18

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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The Digital Human

Series 18

Character Witness

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