Dumpen: "A Freakshow on Wheels?" A Netnography of Interaction Rituals within Online Communities Discussing Pedophile Hunting
(2026) CCRM20 20261Sociology
Department of Sociology
- Abstract
- In previous years, research has explored the creation of interaction rituals in online communities, aiming to expand the implementation of interaction ritual theory to encompass online groups formed online. Drawing upon interaction ritual theory (IR), this thesis aims to explore the creation of interaction rituals within the Swedish discussion forum Flashback, specifically in a thread discussing the Swedish pedophile hunting group Dumpen. Using netnography, the thesis investigates ritualistic aspects of a discussion thread on Flashback forum through digital observation.
This thesis exemplifies how interaction rituals can appear with a lack of bodily co-prescence, as two opposing groups with strong group solidarity are found within the... (More) - In previous years, research has explored the creation of interaction rituals in online communities, aiming to expand the implementation of interaction ritual theory to encompass online groups formed online. Drawing upon interaction ritual theory (IR), this thesis aims to explore the creation of interaction rituals within the Swedish discussion forum Flashback, specifically in a thread discussing the Swedish pedophile hunting group Dumpen. Using netnography, the thesis investigates ritualistic aspects of a discussion thread on Flashback forum through digital observation.
This thesis exemplifies how interaction rituals can appear with a lack of bodily co-prescence, as two opposing groups with strong group solidarity are found within the thread. The two groups, Dumplings and Pikers, are created as a result of their vastly different opinions on Dumpen, its methods and activities, and enact interaction rituals through the intense and continuous discussion in the Flashback thread. The Flashback users are guided by an internalized sense of morality in regards to Dumpen and pedophile hunting in general, meaning that the shared sense of morality that is positioned as a result of interaction rituals precedes all ritualistic ingredients, making the notion of morality essential for the users, their group allocation and feelings of togetherness. (Less) - Popular Abstract
- The Swedish organization Dumpen recieved much attention in media and politics as of late for their controversial methods in the process of persecuting individuals perpetrating alleged online child sexual abuse. Dumpen.se, founded in 2021 by Patrik Sjöberg and Sara Nilsson, describe themselves as children' s rights activists, denying claims of pedophile hunting. The enterprise works through volunteers, so called “fishers” (in Swedish: “fiskare”), who pretend to be children, having online conversations with alleged pedophiles, arranging meet-ups and confronting the alleged pedophile, who is called “gädda” (pike) by those working for Dumpen. The confrontation is filmed and uploaded on the Dumpen website for all to see, with a flourishing... (More)
- The Swedish organization Dumpen recieved much attention in media and politics as of late for their controversial methods in the process of persecuting individuals perpetrating alleged online child sexual abuse. Dumpen.se, founded in 2021 by Patrik Sjöberg and Sara Nilsson, describe themselves as children' s rights activists, denying claims of pedophile hunting. The enterprise works through volunteers, so called “fishers” (in Swedish: “fiskare”), who pretend to be children, having online conversations with alleged pedophiles, arranging meet-ups and confronting the alleged pedophile, who is called “gädda” (pike) by those working for Dumpen. The confrontation is filmed and uploaded on the Dumpen website for all to see, with a flourishing comment section and a huge community of supporters. The question of whether pedophile hunting is morally justifiable has been on the agenda for quite a while, especially considering the gross following Dumpen has attained in the last few years since its start in 2021. This has given rise to extensive discussions, particularly online. While Dumpen receives support from its own community, how is the organization received in other online forums apart from Dumpen's own communication channels?
The question above is addressed in this thesis, where we gain insight into the Swedish online discussion forum Flashback, specifically in a thread created with the purpose to discuss Dumpen, its methods and activities. This was explored through digital observation of the discussion thread. It was found that morality played a big role in the discussion, as those who expressed pro-Dumpen opinions created a group of their own, called Dumplings (in Swedish: Dumplingar), while those who expressed anti-Dumpen created an opposing group, called Pikers (in Swedish: Gäddlingar), both groups maintaining conflict with one another. Both groups refer to morality when differentiating themselves from the other group, and they share emotions as well as a collective focus, both based on moral claims. Moreover, it was found that the differentiation, shared emotion and collective attention resulted in a reinforced sense of morality for each group, providing them with a feeling of righteousness in adhering to their respective groups. Lastly, Dumplings and Pikers were found to be dependent on each other for their existence, making way for a sense of togetherness for members of each group. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
https://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/9246729
- author
- Medelberg, Elin LU
- supervisor
- organization
- course
- CCRM20 20261
- year
- 2026
- type
- H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
- subject
- keywords
- Interaction rituals, Online communities, Morality, Flashback, Dumpen, Pedophile hunting
- language
- English
- id
- 9246729
- date added to LUP
- 2026-08-14 10:53:17
- date last changed
- 2026-08-14 10:53:17
@misc{9246729,
abstract = {{In previous years, research has explored the creation of interaction rituals in online communities, aiming to expand the implementation of interaction ritual theory to encompass online groups formed online. Drawing upon interaction ritual theory (IR), this thesis aims to explore the creation of interaction rituals within the Swedish discussion forum Flashback, specifically in a thread discussing the Swedish pedophile hunting group Dumpen. Using netnography, the thesis investigates ritualistic aspects of a discussion thread on Flashback forum through digital observation.
This thesis exemplifies how interaction rituals can appear with a lack of bodily co-prescence, as two opposing groups with strong group solidarity are found within the thread. The two groups, Dumplings and Pikers, are created as a result of their vastly different opinions on Dumpen, its methods and activities, and enact interaction rituals through the intense and continuous discussion in the Flashback thread. The Flashback users are guided by an internalized sense of morality in regards to Dumpen and pedophile hunting in general, meaning that the shared sense of morality that is positioned as a result of interaction rituals precedes all ritualistic ingredients, making the notion of morality essential for the users, their group allocation and feelings of togetherness.}},
author = {{Medelberg, Elin}},
language = {{eng}},
note = {{Student Paper}},
title = {{Dumpen: "A Freakshow on Wheels?" A Netnography of Interaction Rituals within Online Communities Discussing Pedophile Hunting}},
year = {{2026}},
}