“Prison TikTok”: Incarcerated Life Shared on Social Media

Abstract

Different areas of the criminal justice system interact with social media, but not much is known about how those incarcerated may be using it. A thematic analysis of "Prison TikTok" videos was conducted in order to gain a better understanding of what those incarcerated are sharing. The most represented themes in the sample are performance, food, prison views, and pains of imprisonment. Performance and food demonstrate creativity within the sample, and highlight how those incarcerated may be looking for creative outlets. Prison and pains of imprisonment include the realities of life incarcerated, and contain messaging that those incarcerated may be trying to communicate within the sample.Social media are a present force, accessible to anyone with a smartphone or similar device. Social media platforms allow individuals to create content that can be shared with anyone. This experience provides a more intimate form of media production and consumption. Social media are popular due to the human need for social interaction, and inspires feelings of wanting to be included (Roberts & David, 2019).It is known that incarcerated individuals are using the Internet and smartphones to create content, such as posting videos on a social media platform like TikTok. Separated from family and friends, incarcerated individuals may be drawn to use social media platforms such as TikTok as an easy way to connect with others, and could help ease the reality of life incarcerated (Jewkes & Reisdorft, 2016;Sykes, 1970). With social media being an influential part of society today, it is important to understand what is being shared in these spaces. Observing what incarcerated individuals share about the prison experience allows for a better understanding that is coming straight from the source. These individuals traditionally do not have technological outlets for sharing (Jewkes & Reisdorft, 2016), and it is important to understand what they are communicating to the free world. What are incarcerated individuals sharing on TikTok? Analyzing what those behind bars are sharing to TikTok gives us an idea of what the general public may be absorbing about life in prison from those living it. Literature Review Social Media UseIn today's society the use of social media is common for many, whether it is using Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat or TikTok. The Pew Research Center reports that in 2020, 72% of adults in the United States use social media, with the most common social media platforms being Youtube and Facebook (Auxier & Anderson, 2021). Based on interview data, Whiting and Williams (2013) came across a number of different themes as to why individuals use social media. Two of the most common themes were social interaction (88%) and using the technology to locate information on products that are for sale and events (80%) (Whiting & Williams, 2013). Another theme that emerged was using these platforms to express opinions, which respondents reported doing through making comments and liking others' posts or pictures (Whiting &