As Cohort 6 are currently diving deep into our social factors module, on our Working with Gangs and Youth Violence course. We thought we would discuss how social media can have a negative influence on Young People.
Social media has revolutionised the way we communicate, share information, and connect with others. While its positive aspects are evident, there is a growing concern about its impact on young people, crime, serious youth violence and gangs. In this blog, we’ll explore how social media influences the behaviour of young people, leading to an increase in criminal activities, serious youth violence and gangs.
We will also delve into some relevant theories that help explain some of the things we are seeing but don’t worry we will keep it simple.
Social Learning Theory
Albert Bandura’s social learning theory suggests that people learn by observing and imitating others’ behaviour, especially when those actions are rewarded or reinforced. On social media platforms, young people are exposed to a significant amount of content, including violence, criminal behaviour, and glorification of gang culture. Through this exposure, they may internalize these behaviours and perceive them as acceptable or even admirable. As a result, they may be more likely to engage in delinquent activities or seek to connect with young people engaged in such behaviour.
Desensitization and Normalization
Repeated exposure to violent content on social media can lead to desensitisation, where individuals become less affected by violence and crime. What was once shocking and unacceptable might become normalised, blurring the lines between right and wrong. For vulnerable young people, this desensitisation may reduce their aversion to violence and increase the likelihood of criminal behaviour.
Online recruitment and radicalization.
Social media provides a virtual space for young people involved in gangs to recruit new members and exert their influence. Online platforms allow young people to glamorize the gang lifestyle and culture promising, money, respect and notoriety, preying on young people’s need for belonging and protection, luring vulnerable young people into joining their ranks. Additionally, we see extremists and radical groups exploit social media to groom, recruit, and coerce individuals for their own causes, further contributing to young people becoming involved in criminal activities and serious youth violence.
Drill music and explicit videos.
The rise of drill music on social media platforms has also been linked to increased levels of violence among young people. This controversial genre of music has been linked to glorifying young people in gangs and gang culture, promoting themes of aggression, revenge, retaliation and selling drugs. The influence of this music can be seen in real-life incidents where conflicts between rival gangs escalate due to online feuds.
Additionally, social media can be used as a tool for coordination among gangs or individuals involved in criminal activities. Platforms such as messaging apps provide an avenue for planning illegal activities while maintaining anonymity.
Cyberbullying.
Social media can be a breeding ground for cyberbullying and online conflicts. Ongoing disputes, fuelled by anonymity and a lack of face-to-face interaction, can escalate quickly. As conflicts escalate, young people may resort to retaliatory acts and seek revenge.
Social Media as a Tool for Coordination
Young people in gangs can leverage social media to coordinate and organise criminal activities, violent events, and plan attacks on rivals. The anonymity and wide reach of these platforms make them convenient tools for spreading fear, asserting dominance, and escalating conflicts.
