Social Media Influence on Juvenile Crime Rates: An Indian Perspective

The study explores the psychology behind the growing trend in India of juvenile crimes triggered through social media, where digital platforms either act as tools for sociability as well as catalyst in crimes. It examines the micro- and macro-level factors associated with social learning (differential association and social isolation) and strain theory (negative life events and differential socialization), which can pave the way for juveniles to be involved in criminal activities, as a result of their social media exposure, especially on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and earlier TikTok. The study examines the crimes committed by juveniles mostly through social media, such as cyberbullying, digital thefts, and attack through morphed videos/objectionable pictures/pornography. The Indian legal framework, including the Indian Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015 and the IT Act 2000, is analyzed to trace the shortcomings of the legal system in dealing with these contemporary issues. With juveniles involved in crimes through social media platforms increasing, the study suggests an integrated approach blend of legal reforms, technological interventions and extensive educational programmes to curtail the trend.