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Murder in the Age of Social Media 📱 #HashtagHomicide

February 28, 2026 / 01:24

This episode discusses online manipulation, grooming, and the dangers of social media for young people. It highlights the case of Gabby, who was active on social media before her disappearance, and examines the psychological aspects of her situation.

The conversation includes a police emergency call where a person claims to be the only survivor of an altercation, raising questions about control and premeditated actions. The discussion emphasizes the need for awareness regarding online interactions and the potential for deception.

Experts talk about the implications of jealousy and control in relationships, particularly in the context of young people's online experiences. The episode serves as a cautionary tale about the risks associated with social media and the importance of protecting children from harmful influences.

TLDR

The episode highlights the dangers of online manipulation and the case of Gabby, emphasizing the need for awareness in social media interactions.

Episode

1:24
00:00:00
Essics, police emergency. >> Hi there. Um, I need police and a forensic team to my address, please.
00:00:08
>> What do you mean? >> My friend and I got into an altercation and I'm the only one who came out alive.
00:00:17
>> Social media is a huge part of where interactions take place for young people. Online manipulation and grooming
00:00:25
can be a very slow and subtle [music] process. Is this really a 17-year-old or could it be somebody pretending to be
00:00:33
something they're not? >> Gabby's case was so unique in that she was so [music] visible on social media
00:00:40
until she just vanished. >> She had nowhere to go, right? There was no escape.
00:00:44
>> He was looking for someone he could overpower. >> There was obviously an element of
00:00:48
jealousy there. Why aren't you responding as quickly as you should be? He was in control and [music] he wanted
00:00:53
to control the narrative. >> This was very much a premeditated attack. It was clear this was a case of
00:00:59
of homicide. >> This case was a wakeup call for everyone about the dangers of the online world.
00:01:09
Online contact, online communication. >> Children need [music] childhood. They
00:01:14
don't need devices in their hands.

Badges

This episode stands out for the following:

  • 80
    Most heartbreaking
  • 75
    Most shocking
  • 70
    Most dramatic
  • 70
    Most intense

Episode Highlights

  • The Dangers of Online Manipulation
    Exploring how social media can facilitate grooming and manipulation among young people.
    “Online manipulation and grooming can be a very slow and subtle process.”
    @ 00m 22s
    February 28, 2026
  • A Unique Disappearance
    Gabby's case highlights the risks of being visible on social media before vanishing.
    “Gabby’s case was so unique in that she was so visible on social media until she just vanished.”
    @ 00m 34s
    February 28, 2026

Episode Quotes

  • I’m the only one who came out alive.
    Murder in the Age of Social Media 📱 #HashtagHomicide
  • This case was a wakeup call for everyone about the dangers of the online world.
    Murder in the Age of Social Media 📱 #HashtagHomicide

Key Moments

  • Altercation00:09
  • Online Dangers01:03
  • Childhood Innocence01:14
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