The Impact of Social Media on Juvenile Delinquency: A Mixed-Methods Approach to Understanding the Role of Online Social Networks in Shaping Youth Behavior

Abstract

The nature and association between social media and juvenile delinquency is an area of interest in this research, with a specific interest in the effects that new media has on youths. Combined, the study employs a mixed research methodology whereby questionnaires administered to youths are complemented by interviews with caregivers, educators, and legally mandated adults. Research highlights show that youth who use social media engage in more deviant behaviours such as bullying, sharing dangerous dares, and viewing nasty content. These phenomena are boosted by the low level of digital literacy and socioeconomic status, peer pressure and the desire to adhere to the trends that are visible on the Internet. The study examines the importance of social media as a positive force and also the arena for harmful activity. Future recommendations should include the promotion of further digital competence, a more profound regulation of content moderation, and activities that involve cooperation between politicians, teachers, and social media providers. This research also falls in inter discipline in confirming the need to act in anticipating the negative impacts of social media on youths to create safer social media platforms and promote responsible social media conduct.