SOCIAL MEDIA AND THE NORMALIZATION OF DEVIANT BEHAVIOR AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN THE DIGITAL AGE
Keywords:
deviant behavior, social media, adolescents, normalization, digital socialization, social learning theoryAbstract
This paper examines the relationship between social media use and the normalization of deviant behavior among adolescents in the contemporary digital age. Drawing on sociological theories including social learning theory, strain theory, and labeling theory, the study analyzes how digital platforms serve as environments where deviant norms are constructed, reinforced, and disseminated among young users. The paper argues that the algorithmic structure of social media platforms, peer dynamics in online communities, and the visibility of rule-breaking behavior contribute significantly to shifting perceptions of what constitutes acceptable conduct. Furthermore, the study explores the implications of these findings for parents, educators, and policymakers in developing effective preventive strategies. The analysis concludes that understanding social media as a socialization agent is essential for addressing the growing challenge of adolescent deviance in modern societies.
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