CAVEAT – This article was inspired by a recent conversation with a Canadian high school administrator who witnessed a drug deal on school grounds during school hours. The transaction, which took place between a student and a dealer who drove to the school to meet the students, was later traced back to an initial contact being made via Snapchat. This situation highlights a growing concern we’ve previously explored in our article, “How Some Teens Are Using Technology to Buy or Sell Drugs Online,” which is highly recommended reading for parents, caregivers, and educators alike. (1)
Before the internet and social media, teens looking to purchase drugs typically had three options:
1/ Meet a fellow student at school who was dealing drugs
2/ Meet an unknown dealer in person, often in a public place.
3/ Call a dealer (once they were familiar with the dealer) on a cellphone to arrange a purchase and pickup, a practice known as “dial-a-doping.”
While these methods are still in use today, technology has revolutionized the way dealers operate. Dealers now leverage social media and messaging apps to target teens, earning nicknames like “Plugs”, “Text-A-Dopers”, or “DM-A-Dopers” for their use of direct messages to conduct their drug business.
Platforms like Snapchat and Instagram have become prime tools for drug dealers (often referred to as a “plug” in slang) to connect with teens online. These apps, designed for instant communication and privacy, are unfortunately being exploited for illegal activities as well. Here’s how:
- Snapchat’s Disappearing Content: Dealers use the app’s disappearing messages and photos to share incriminating content like images of drugs, price lists, and delivery details. These features make it difficult to trace illegal activity.
- Direct Messaging for Deals: Teens often reach out to dealers after seeing ads or posts on platforms like Snapchat or Instagram. Conversations then move to private messaging to negotiate prices, discuss availability, and finalize delivery locations.
- Location Features: Snapchat’s “Snap Map” enables dealers to find and meet customers in their area for quick, localized transactions. Instagram is also expected to roll out a similar feature called “Friend Map” in Canada soon. (2)
- Encrypted Messaging Apps: To further evade detection, many dealers transition conversations to encrypted apps like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram. (3) These platforms provide robust privacy features, making it harder for law enforcement to monitor activity. Also, Telegram’s “People Nearby” feature allows users to see others within a specific radius, and students have reported seeing dealers offering drugs within a 400-meter range using this app which is very effective at parties or large youth gatherings.
- Cashless Payments: Once a deal is made, payments are often processed through digital payment apps like Venmo or Cash App. (4) These platforms provide speed and anonymity, eliminating the need for physical cash transactions.
This shift from traditional drug transactions to app-based communications has made it easier than ever for dealers to target vulnerable teens. Some social media platforms normalize drug culture, making substance use appear more socially acceptable among youth. Combined with the accessibility of drugs, this can create a dangerous environment for teenagers.
The rise of “Text-A-Dopers” or “DM-A-Dopers” underscores the urgent need for all stakeholders, parents, caregivers, educators, and law enforcement, to adapt to the realities of today’s onlife world. By understanding how these platforms are being misused, adults can better protect teens from online drug activity.
The rapid evolution of technology has transformed the way drug transactions occur, making it easier for dealers to exploit platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and encrypted messaging apps to target teens. The shift from in-person deals to discreet, app-based transactions has introduced new challenges for parents, educators, and law enforcement in protecting vulnerable youth.
This issue demands a proactive, united approach. Open conversations about online safety, the risks of drug use, and the misuse of social media are critical in empowering teens to make informed decisions. Equally important is teaching digital literacy to help young people navigate online spaces responsibly while equipping parents and educators with the knowledge to identify and address these dangers effectively.
The growing trend of “Text-A-Dopers” and “DM-A-Dopers” highlights the urgent need for vigilance, collaboration, and education. By staying informed and taking collective action, we can create a safer onlife environment and help shield our teens from the hidden risks lurking behind their screens.
Related article:
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
Facts Not Fear, Facts Not Emotions, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Tech Not No Tech
References:
1/ https://thewhitehatter.ca/blog/how-some-teens-are-using-technology-to-purchase-or-sell-drugs-online/
