SHAH ALAM - The desire for fame, online recognition and power over victims may drive some perpetrators to record or livestream their own acts of violence, as social media increasingly rewards shocking content with views and engagement, psychologists say.
Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) counselling psychology expert Associate Professor Dr Fauziah Mohd Sa’ad said perpetrators might record or livestream violence to gain attention, recognition and a sense of dominance, with some potentially lacking empathy for their victims.
She said the desire for online recognition and peer approval could be particularly strong among adolescents, who may see aggressive behaviour as a means of gaining popularity or social status.
"Recording and sharing violence can be a form of psychological intimidation. It allows perpetrators to publicly humiliate victims, assert dominance and prolong their emotional suffering even after the physical violence ends," she told Sinar Daily.
Fauziah said addressing the issue required early intervention, digital literacy, empathy education and responsible parenting.
She said schools should strengthen anti-bullying programmes, while parents should monitor their children's online behaviour and encourage healthy emotional regulation.
She said social media platforms must also act quickly to remove violent content.
“Violence should never become entertainment. When society rewards aggression with attention, we risk raising a generation that values online recognition over empathy, dignity and humanity,” she added.
Different motivations behind violent recordings
Clinical psychologist Dr Joel Low said there was no single explanation for why perpetrators choose to record or broadcast their actions, as their motivations could range from seeking fame to expressing anger or revenge.
“I think there’s no one reason why someone would do this. It could be because they want the infamy and the fame that comes with being associated with the act,” he said.
Low said some recordings could also serve as a 'final letter to others', a cry for help or an attempt to seek revenge.
He said the growing importance of social media engagement could make disturbing content appealing to individuals seeking recognition.
“Like it or not, likes and engagement on social media have become a form of currency for many people today. Anything that attracts this attention can be appealing, even if it involves disturbing content,” he said.
Low also warned that repeated exposure to shocking content could reduce people's sensitivity to violence over time.
“There is a thing as saturation and desensitisation and we need more and more to keep us keen and excited,” he said.
He added that the growing expectation for immediate results, influenced by platforms such as YouTube and TikTok, could lead people to seek instant attention without considering the long-term consequences of their actions.
To address this, Low said parents, schools and society should encourage young people to develop interests and relationships beyond social media.
He said young people should understand that recognition and validation could be achieved through healthier means, even if these required more time and effort.
“If what they want is fame and recognition or acknowledgement and validation, there are other ways to achieve those goals.
"They may take longer and require more effort, but they are more acceptable and less harmful,” he said.