Amplifying or interfering? Social media’s impact on criminal investigations

The tragic circumstances that led to Nicola Bulley being found deceased, having drowned, are ones that most of us will never forget. Nicola was reported missing on 27 January 2023, and in the three weeks until her body was found, a modern-day media frenzy ensued, driven by social media postings. Understanding why this case captured so much attention is crucial to learning from this and, in retrospect, it is clear that several factors came into play.

The details

Firstly, Nicola’s disappearance came less than two years after the murder of Sarah Everard, a case that sent shockwaves through communities nationwide. The amplification of societal fear resulting from such a horrific case cannot be underestimated, and Nicola’s disappearance sparked fears of a similar tragedy.

Another factor was the scarcity of information – numerous questions arose about Nicola’s disappearance, particularly based on the limited information released to the public. Furthermore, instances where the police shared seemingly irrelevant details, such as a press release mentioning Nicola’s alcohol consumption and aspects of her personal health, were viewed by many as victim blaming. These communication missteps and failures to engage effectively with the public created room for speculation and, at worst, the spread of misinformation.

Moreover, the demographics, characteristics and appearance of a missing person can significantly affect media coverage levels. This phenomenon, known as ‘the ideal victim hypothesis,’ suggests that certain groups, specifically white, middle class, ‘attractive’ women, garner disproportionate media attention when reported missing or as victims of crime, compared to other demographics.

An additional factor is our society’s increased consumption of true crime content, with Netflix’s Top 10 featuring a true crime documentary nearly 50 per cent of the time. These offerings include well-received documentaries where viewers witness ‘armchair detectives’ positively impacting crime-solving efforts, as seen in ‘Don’t F*ck With Cats’ (2019). Unlike some, and speaking as someone who participates in such documentaries, I see their value. This content can serve to inform the public, and while we may be seeing an increase in the consumption of this material currently, it would be false to say that this fascination with criminal behaviour is a modern occurrence – merely the format has changed.

Social media

The issue, however, arises with the potential ensuing disruption – when the interest and amplification instead become problematic and intrusive. While often well intentioned, armchair detectives can unintentionally impede active criminal investigations. The worst-case scenario, as seen during Nicola Bulley’s disappearance, involves individuals actively disrupting potential crime scenes, risking the integrity of forensic evidence vital to investigations or future convictions.