YouTube, a popular Web site that allows Internet users to post videos, has recently hosted a number of clips showcasing teenagers assaulting their peers.
One current case is in Florida, where six girls from ages 15 to 17 assaulted a fellow classmate and are currently facing criminal charges. These types of video clips have also appeared locally, one at Texas State Technical College campus and another at Parkside apartments.
Several factors contribute to violent behavior in general, but it is unclear why people are compelled to post fights on the Internet, said Gary Brooks, professor of psychology and neuroscience. This trend may be attributed to society’s acceptance of violence, and the individual’s need for attention and display of antisocial behavior.
Brooks said violence has become more prevalent in film, television and video games. In general, an overexposure to violence results in desensitization.
“Violence is simultaneously scorned but celebrated,” Brooks said. Society is aware of the fact that violence is wrong, he said, yet Saw, a movie that depicts torture, garnered more than $55 million in box office earnings.
“We live in such an instant-gratification, media-dominated culture,” Brooks said. “People will do almost anything to get into the public spotlight.”
Brooks referenced people’s behavior on the CBS Morning Show. Audience members perform attention-getting acts, such as jumping around or holding up signs behind the host.
Antisocial behavior has also contributed to violent videos on YouTube, said Matthew Stanford, professor of psychology and neuroscience.
“This is not so much an aggression issue as it has been a loss in social boundaries,” Stanford said. He pointed out that a number of Facebook and MySpace users are willing to post revealing photographs, such as the user in an intoxicated state and believe that they will not be confronted.
“The Internet is the barrier,” Stanford said.
Therefore, those who post videos of their assault crimes believe that they may safely show their videos without being caught.
“It’s almost non-punishable,” said Stanford.
In the early 1990s, there was a wave of amateur wrestling videos, Stanford said. In these videos, individuals copied pro wrestling antics in their backyards, such as jumping off one location onto another person.
However, there has been a shift from “backyard fights” to an ambush-style attack, such as the case in Florida.
“You have to up the ante,” Stanford said.
Stanford said the type of video-recorded violence will evolve. Participants may use weapons or seriously injure the victim.