Like a virus spreading through a population, chatter and images about guns and violence seep into the social media feeds of more and more teenagers. In this digital ecosystem, viral messages fueled by ‘likes’ can infect vulnerable minds, leading to outbreaks of real-world conflict and loss. It’s as if these messages are toxic seeds, planting the idea of revenge in impressionable hearts. The consequences are visible; violence begets violence. But what prompts this contagion? Is it the allure of power, the search for identity, or simply the age-old concept of ‘monkey see, monkey do’? Understanding these underlying causes could help us stem the tide of gun violence among teens. It’s crucial that we recognize the role of social media in amplifying and accelerating this epidemic. Research provides us with the tools to dissect this issue further and develop effective interventions to protect our communities.
As chatter and images about guns and violence slip into the social media feeds of more teens, viral messages fueled by “likes” can lead to real-world conflict and loss.
This illustrated report has been adapted from a KFF Health News article, “‘All We Want Is Revenge’: How Social Media Fuels Gun Violence Among Teens,” by Liz Szabo.
KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF.USE OUR CONTENTThis story can be republished for free (details).
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