Understanding Gray Networks Using Social Media Trace Data

Abstract

In contrast to dark (illegal, covert, illicit) or bright (legal, overt, above-ground) networks, gray networks conduct a mixture of legal and illegal activities and have an organizational structure that may be only partially known. The goal of this research is to demonstrate techniques for using trace data from Venmo, a payment network, and Facebook, a social networking site, to understand the organizational structure of one particular gray network: a membership organization of self-described “Western chauvinists” called Proud Boys. Using publicly-available data from the Facebook API and from the Venmo web site, this research reveals the underlying organizational structure for this group as it grew and matured from October 2016–March 2019. The payment network is modeled as a one-mode directed network of payers and payees conducting transactions such as dues payments and activity fees. A two-mode network of the Venmo users and their memberships in Proud Boys groups on Facebook further illuminates the structure of the organization. Supplementary data from news reports and arrest records is used to confirm the findings from this network analysis. Results will be useful for understanding the extent to which trace data from online activities can expose the offline organizational structure of semi-clandestine groups.