The award-winning thesis research, conducted by Criminology alumna Stephanie Habets, sheds light on how social media influences young people’s choices and experiences, leading them to engage in criminal activities. The prize was presented during the Opening of the Academic Year at Erasmus University Rotterdam by Jeroen Postma, alderman Youth care, Education and Sports of the City of Rotterdam.
Stephanie Habets demonstrates how platforms like Snapchat and Telegram can function as online mechanisms facilitating entry into serious and organised drug and violent crime. Based on interviews with eighteen young people who are either involved in criminal activity or at risk of becoming involved, the study provides insight into how digital platforms facilitate criminal activity.
Snapchat primarily serves as a platform for initial contact through Stories, algorithms, and the rapid addition of (unknown) contacts. Telegram, on the other hand, often facilitates access to closed networks where more serious criminal activities are organised.
Young People Speak for Themselves
What makes this research unique is that young people themselves share their choices and experiences. Contrary to expectations, they often appear more resilient and distrustful and prefer trusted contacts. At the same time, the study reveals that online and offline influences are closely intertwined: existing social networks often open the first door, after which digital platforms can amplify the process. Social media rarely serves as the root cause but acts more as a catalyst in the pathway toward criminal involvement.
From the Jury Report
“This thesis addresses a highly relevant topic for the Municipality of Rotterdam: the way young people are easily approached online via social media platforms to carry out ‘jobs’ within the criminal circuit of subversive crime. The thesis provides rich insights into this online world and the young people who become involved in it. The researcher interviewed young people from Rotterdam who are part of this world, offering a remarkable perspective.”
Jury Chair Prof. Martijn van der Steen:
“The student has shown courage in writing this thesis. By directly and actively engaging with the world of crime, the student placed herself in vulnerable positions. It is impressive that she dared to do this while maintaining scientific distance and simultaneously getting very close to the practical realities. The thesis is well-written and offers a truly unique glimpse into a world that many people rarely see up close.”
The thesis, titled “Want a Job? Send a DM!” was written by Stephanie Habets for the Master’s program in Criminology at the Erasmus School of Law under the supervision of Dr Robby Roks.
About the Rotterdam Thesis Award 2026
Due to the high quality and relevance of this year’s submissions, the jury made the exceptional decision to name two winners. The other winner is Economics alumnus Hugo van den Belt.
To encourage students to apply their academic knowledge for the benefit of Rotterdam, the Municipality of Rotterdam and Erasmus University Rotterdam established the Rotterdam Thesis Award. The jury, consisting of academics, municipal officials, and a city council member, evaluates submissions based on their relevance to Rotterdam and their scientific quality.
The award includes a certificate, an artwork by a Rotterdam-based artist, and a cash prize of €1,500.
- More information
Questions?
Please contact Marjolein Kooistra, Communications Rotterdam Thesis Award by email or telephone on +31 (0)6 83 67 60 38.
For further information, please contact Ronald de Groot, Media & Public Relations Officer at Erasmus School of Law and Erasmus School of Economics: degroot@law.eur.nl / rdegroot@ese.eur.nl, mobile: +31 (0)6 53 64 18 46.
- Related content
