shot-button
Maharashtra Elections 2024 Maharashtra Elections 2024
Home > Mumbai > Mumbai News > Article > Mumbai Social media contributing to the rise of violence in society

Mumbai: Social media contributing to the rise of violence in society?

Updated on: 12 February,2024 07:10 AM IST  |  Mumbai
Vinod Kumar Menon | vinodm@mid-day.com

Experts weigh in on the detrimental effects on society of repetitive visuals, on recent shootings and murders

Mumbai: Social media contributing to the rise of violence in society?

Ramon Magsaysay Award winner and psychiatrist Dr Bharat Vatwani

Key Highlights

  1. Recent incidents of repeated shootouts, on social media have been flagged by experts
  2. City psychiatrists connect this trend to a reduction in human contact time
  3. Furthermore, disconnection is identified as the predominant affliction of the 21st century

Recent incidents of repeated shootouts, violence, murders, and suicides depicted on social media and in movies have been flagged by experts for their harmful impact on society. City psychiatrists connect this trend to a reduction in human, emotional, and family contact time, resulting in heightened anger, which transforms into hatred. Furthermore, disconnection is identified as the predominant affliction of the 21st century.


Disconnection disease


"Copycat suicides and violence, particularly the disturbing trend of women being hacked to pieces, have been observed for a while. Recently, a new trend has emerged where shooting people has become prevalent. In a world filled with angst, emotional blinding occurs, and the discerning brain, the prefrontal cortex, gets suspended,” said Dr Harish Shetty, a renowned psychiatrist.


He further pointed out that those who exhibit explosive behaviour often evade the law due to political connections. He also warned that the law should hold channels and social media accountable for irresponsibly perpetuating such horrifying videos.

Signs not to ignore

“It is crucial that the repetitive use of phrases like 'I want to die', 'I want to kill”, “I will teach him/her a lesson', 'I hate his family', 'I do not want to live or allow him to live' are warning signs and should not be ignored by family members or friends as these are indications and warning signs that the person needs mental health assistance. Also, if one has violent or anxious thoughts, it would be a good idea to talk to a sensible friend, a family doctor or a mental health professional,” Dr Shetty explained

Deleterious effects

Dr Bharat Vatwani, a Ramon Magsaysay Award winner and psychiatrist said, “The recurring incidents of shootouts, violence, murders, and suicides, unfolding in society and magnified on social media, have detrimental consequences. They escalate the potential for more violence, reflecting a decline in individual and societal emotional control.”

“Fear, anxiety, impulsiveness, false bravado, one-upmanship, and psychological justification contribute to a complex emotional landscape. Tragically, these repetitive acts become catalysts, triggering further violence by providing instant gratification for pent-up emotions in disturbed individuals within an already fractured society. The perverse joy derived from vicariously witnessing heinous crimes on social media can erase moral and ethical boundaries, leading to a state of emotional numbness.”

“The distinction between right and wrong blurs, and perpetrators often adopt the role of the perceived victim. Crime ceases to be a remedy for injustice, as the injustice within the crime becomes a catalyst for further wrongdoing, setting off a chain reaction,” he added.

Helplines

Vandrevala Foundation
9999666555

Helpline KIRAN
(1800-599-0019)

ICALL (TISS) 
9152987821 (10am to 8pm- Mon to Sat) 

Samaritans 
8422984528/29/30 (5pm to 9 pm)

Aasra 
9820466726

BMC MPOWER 
1800 120 820050 (24 by 7)

National Tele Mental Health Helpline
14416 or 1-8008914416 (round the clock) 

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

Register for FREE
to continue reading !

This is not a paywall.
However, your registration helps us understand your preferences better and enables us to provide insightful and credible journalism for all our readers.

Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK