Have you often seen young boys carrying guns on social media? This is no longer a minor trend. In the last six months, Delhi Police investigated more than 600 social media accounts under Operation Flush and arrested 55 people (including many children) for posting viral videos with weapons. At the same time, a survey by an organization called Sandy Hook Promise in the US found that 54% of boys aged 10–17 watch some gun-related content every week, and 32% of youth follow social media influencers who show weapons as exciting. These figures are only from a few countries, but they show that this is not just a show-off but is rapidly becoming a dangerous trend. But why are young people showing guns on social media, and what consequences?
Growing trend of gun culture on social media
Today, youth post various types of videos on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc. to show their lifestyle. In the last few years, videos and pictures with guns have become quite popular on these platforms. Many youth post selfies with pistols or rifles, as if they are fashion accessories. This leads to instant likes and followers. Some videos get millions of views as soon as they go viral. Sometimes social media companies also give strict advice to remove such dangerous content, yet a huge amount of content is spreading automatically.
Some challenges going on on TikTok and Instagram have also promoted this. People wave guns in stories and get millions of views within minutes. Social media algorithms further amplify such viral videos, which spreads the cycle even faster. For example, in Punjab, people wave guns at weddings or parties during celebrations, and now this trend has come online as well. This is not limited to India. In America and other countries, too, youth are seen considering guns as a symbol of victory and power.
Show off in the world of youth
Some people keep a gun with them for safety purposes, or those who have threats from any gangster or criminal. But young people often feel proud of posting videos with weapons. They think that this will make them look cool or powerful. Some do it as an imitation of gangster culture. For example, the Delhi Police says that many of the arrested youths were from economically weak backgrounds and imitated the world of big gangsters without the care of their parents.
When a youth uploads a video or photo holding a gun, his followers either feel intimidated or get excessive praise. This increases creative competition on social media. These boys resort to guns to show their confidence. They have made up their mind that their stature will increase only by holding a gun. Many times, these teenagers do not even realize how big a danger is hidden behind this show-off.
Global perspective
This problem is also deepening at the global level. An investigation of incidents of teenage shootings in the US shows that social media has played a role in more than one-third of youth deaths since 2018. Apart from the Sandy Hook Promise, many reports show that teenagers in the US easily come in contact with gun advertisements and violent content. Europe has stricter gun laws, but even there, images of guns are common in gang-related social media groups.
The internet has blurred cultural boundaries in many parts of the world. When a gun video goes viral in one country, it is watched by young people in other countries. For example, the glorification of guns in Punjabi songs and videos has a ripple effect across India. This culture has worried the global community. Legal restrictions are being imposed in many places. The Punjab government banned songs glorifying guns in 2022. But reports still suggest the existence of such songs. This is a global issue that all countries must handle wisely.
Potential risks and consequences
Having a gun is common nowadays because anybody can easily buy one in stores, and even people use them without a license. So when someone owns this weapon, especially when young people, they flaunt their weapons, which affects others as well. This leads to a race of imitations on social media. Everyone becomes eager to show off.
Legal risks
The police can arrest those who make videos showing off their weapons. In Delhi’s Operation ‘Flush,’ 55 people were arrested. Many of the 55 people arrested were teenagers. In these cases, their families may also have to face difficulties.
Increasing threat of violence
When everyone starts considering it normal to display weapons, the fear of real violent incidents increases. Showing off guns on social media can become provocative. In many incidents, it has been seen that a small debate on Instagram or Snapchat escalated to a shootout. The Indianapolis report shows that small debates started on social media turn into a shootout.
Social impact
When the youth think that showing off guns is fashionable, the common people will feel a sense of insecurity. This can spread fear in schools, colleges, and the surrounding environment. The trust in society starts breaking when anyone can pick up a gun here. Concerned people like you might think that this will make them no longer care about law and order.
Mental and emotional impact
The fear of guns takes a toll on young minds. Family members worry that their child may accidentally take this path. This increases tension and anxiety in the entire family. Seeing the environment constantly associated with weapons, the youth start feeling nervous inside. Many children and adults have lost their lives while capturing videos with guns, accidentally pulling the trigger.
This trend of showing guns on social media should not become dangerous by just showing off. It is a matter of concern for everyone like you. You can also tell your friends and family about this dangerous trend. If someone you know is doing this, then explain to them that this is just a show-off, but its consequences can be very dire. If this trend does not stop in the coming time, then not only the youth but the entire society can fall prey to violence and insecurity. Regretting may be too late.
