Does Digital Vigilantism Work?

It’s easy to see why the concept of vigilante justice resonates with so many people. In the last few years, social movements from #MeToo to BLM have made us very aware of the wrongdoers who’ve escaped accountability, and the victims who’ve been let down, or even wrongly targeted, by existing systems and laws. But when internet users take matters into their own hands, problems can arise. Across the political spectrum, groups are enacting digital vigilantism to try to right perceived wrongs, and even to exact their own forms of justice. Host Dr Susan Carland is joined by journalist Ginger Gorman, author of 'Troll Hunting'; criminologist Dr Lennon Chang, philosopher Dr Mark Howard, and violent extremism expert and Monash alumnus Dr Josh Roose. They’ll discuss the dark side of digital vigilantism, and answer the question: Does it really work? A full transcription of this episode is available on Monash Lens. 'What Happens Next?' will be back next week with part two of this series: "Are There Good Trolls?". In the meantime, check out Dr Mark Howard’s take on the Caped Crusader, and Batman’s changing approach to vigilante justice. If you’re enjoying the show, don’t forget to subscribe and leave 'What Happens Next?' a rating or review to help listeners like yourself discover it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.