How can social media be relevant in a forensic investigation?

Social media plays a crucial role in forensic investigations as it can provide significant evidence of intent or activities related to a case. By analyzing posts, interactions, and shared content, investigators can glean insights into a suspect's mindset, actions, and social connections, which may be relevant to the investigation. This information can include direct admissions of guilt, planning of criminal activities, or expressions of emotions that relate to the case.

Furthermore, social media platforms often serve as a record of an individual's activities and communications, which can be vital during an investigation. Posts may capture real-time thoughts or events linked to a crime, helping to establish timelines or connections between suspects and victims.

While other options mention aspects of social media's relevance, they either minimize the impact or misrepresent its capabilities. Social media is not simply ignored in investigations; rather, it is increasingly recognized as a valuable source of information. The notion that it can track physical locations or verify identity is also true, but these functionalities do not encompass the broader scope of how social media can directly provide evidence relevant to intent or actions in a case.