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Finding the missing: an analysis of the monetization of social media exposure

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Abstract

Objectives

Social media has become the new “Milk Carton Campaign” for missing persons cases; however, research suggests that biases found in traditional news coverage persist in the social media realm. This study assesses how victim characteristics interact with monetized social media exposure.

Methods

Using an experimental design, the use of the Facebook post “boost” feature in exposure of missing persons posts and recovery. Matched pairs of missing persons cases were created based on demographic characteristics, standardized missing persons posts were designed and published, and the effects of boosting posts were examined regarding engagement level and victim recovery.

Results

The boost post feature significantly increases engagement and recovery of missing persons is correlated to social media engagement.

Conclusions

Because monetization matters, dedication of funds to social media awareness campaigns may be best served for cases of “non-ideal” victims to increase exposure and ultimately increase recovery of missing persons.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Resource Association for Missing People (RAMP) and Charlene Shunick for the continued support and opportunity to work together on research aimed at helping to better understand the missing persons phenomenon.

Funding

This project was funded via the UL Undergraduate Research Mini-Grant.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Criminal Justice, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, 1411 Johnston Street, Lafayette, LA, 70504, USA

    Michelle N. Jeanis

  2. Clinical Psychology, Adler University, 17 N Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL, 60602, USA

    Sarah A. Smith

  3. Department of Criminal Justice, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W University Ave, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA

    Caitlyn N. Muniz

  4. Department of Criminal Justice, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, 231 E. Lewis Street, Lafayette, LA, 70504, USA

    Lindsey Warren

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  1. Michelle N. Jeanis
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  2. Sarah A. Smith
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  4. Lindsey Warren
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Correspondence to Michelle N. Jeanis.

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Jeanis, M.N., Smith, S.A., Muniz, C.N. et al. Finding the missing: an analysis of the monetization of social media exposure. J Exp Criminol 20, 421–438 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11292-022-09540-y

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