PROJECT: TEEN VIOLENCE AND THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA
- isabels39
- Jul 1
- 4 min read
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On a recent afternoon at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, a physical altercation broke out between
a group of teenagers in a public area. Bystanders quickly recorded the incident and widely circulated
it across various social media platforms.
Within hours, the footage had gone viral, receiving national attention.
RELEVANT NEWS ARTICLES:
This incident highlights a growing concern:
The role of social media in amplifying, normalising, and desensitising young people to violence in South Africa.
THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON TEEN PERCEPTIONS OF VIOLENCE:
EXPOSURE AND REINFORCEMENT:
Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook often promote content that generates high user engagement.
Unfortunately, this includes violent content, such as fights, bullying, or risky behaviour, which is frequently shared before moderation systems can respond.
ALGORITHMIC AMPLIFICATION:
Algorithms prioritise content that provokes strong emotional reactions.
As a result, violent videos are pushed to wider audiences, increasing their visibility and influence, especially among impressionable users.
DESENSITISATION TO VIOLENCE:
Repeated exposure to violent content online can reduce emotional sensitivity to real-world violence.
Over time, teenagers may begin to perceive violent behaviour as normal, trivial, or even entertaining.
This phenomenon:
Lowers empathy for victims.
Increases tolerance for aggression in social settings.
Diminishes the perceived seriousness of violent acts.
May lead to acceptance or imitation of harmful behaviour.
IMITATION AND RISK BEHAVIOUR:
In some cases, teenagers may mimic violent conduct seen online in hopes of gaining attention, social approval, or viral status.
This can escalate real-world conflict and encourage performance-driven aggression.
DELAYED MODERATION:
Social media platforms cannot often remove violent content in real time, especially in high-traffic or under-resourced regions.
This delay allows harmful content to circulate freely and gain traction before it can be removed or flagged.
DETECTING EARLY SIGNS OF DESENSITISATION TO VIOLENCE IN TEENS:
Desensitisation to violence occurs gradually, often without the teen or their family realising it.
However, there are early warning signs parents can watch for.
These indicators suggest that repeated exposure to violent or aggressive content (especially through social media)
may be dulling a young person’s emotional and behavioural response to real-world violence.
KEY WARNING SIGNS:
REDUCED EMOTIONAL REACTION TO VIOLENCE:
Indifference or lack of empathy when discussing violent incidents (e.g. news stories, school fights, videos of aggression online).
Laughing at or making jokes about violent content.
INCREASED CONSUMPTION OF VIOLENT MEDIA:
A noticeable preference for violent videos, games, or social media content.
Following or engaging with accounts that post fights, abuse, or sensational aggression.
LANGUAGE AND BEHAVIOURAL SHIFTS:
Normalising violent language or making light of physical aggression ("It’s not a big deal", "Everyone does it").
More frequent use of hostile, threatening, or confrontational language.
IMITATION AND REENACTMENT:
Mimicking violent behaviour seen online in joking or serious contexts.
Using social media to post or share aggressive content for attention or approval.
LACK OF EMPATHY TOWARD OTHERS:
Dismissing the feelings or injuries of others involved in real-life or online altercations.
Showing enjoyment or curiosity rather than concern when witnessing distress.
DECLINE IN RESPECT FOR RULES OR BOUNDARIES:
Increasing defiance toward adults, teachers, or authority figures.
Challenging the idea that violence has consequences.
Teen Violence is a preventing and educating teenagers begins within the family structure with guidance of parents, the help of schools and the community as a whole. It is critical to:
Promote critical digital literacy and awareness of how content shapes perceptions and behaviour.
Advocate for faster and more consistent moderation of harmful content by digital platforms.
Create open, informed conversations about online ethics and digital responsibility.
Support parents, teachers, and youth leaders in actively guiding teens through a safer, more conscious use of technology.
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Good morning, I find yourarticle very interesting in a time when newsfeed are mainstream craploaded. I would like to extend a hand to children bullied in schools ,Can you advise us where and how to start ?
Thankyouvery much