how do gangs affect someones life?

Really? It puts everyone in that person's family in danger. Even if they're not in immediate danger, the potential is there. Also, the family members and friends of that person are going to be constantly worried sick about if their loved one is going to come home or if they'll live to see another day.

Also the criminal trouble one could get into by hanging out w/ a gang...is not worth it and could land you in the grave or jail. In all reality those are the 2 main outcomes of that situation.

Whether you joined a gang or just incidentally became part of one, you may now decide that you don't want to be involved in that kind of lifestyle any more. This may be harder than it sounds. Some gangs believe that once you are "in" you don't get out again. They may feel that you are betraying them somehow and might get them in trouble. They may also like to have power and control over you and resist you trying to get your individuality and leaving the gang.

if you should be unlucky enough to live in area that has active gangs they can control or effect ever moment in ones daily life -- from making you fear for your well being to how the neighborhood is operated!!!