Technology and the internet have become a huge part of daily life. Social media, in particular, has become a secondary social environment for teens and adults alike. But like in the real world, people don’t always conform to the rules of society. Because of perceived anonymity and detachment from the physical world, social media users could be spurred to acts of misconduct and virtual violence, in particular among the youth.
No one can get away with misusing social media, however. Law enforcement is keeping its eyes peeled — and not just in the depths of the Dark Web.
Crime and Social Media
Social Media was created to connect friends and social circles who are separated by physical distance in the online sphere. It has also become a valuable tool for business owners to interact with customers. Not every development was positive, however. Social media has spawned new issues concerning online crime and victimization.
Reports show that social platforms like Facebook and Twitter have become saturated with instances of bullying, sexual harassment, threats, and many other dangers to young users. Furthermore, a breach of copyright is another big issue that’s apparent among the youth that state jurisdictions are trying to address.
Social Media and Juvenile Delinquency
Like in the physical world, many policies govern the social media sphere. Spreading an unsubstantiated rumor about another person can result in a lawsuit, and even jail time if the rumor causes serious harm to the person’s reputation or personal life. Even perpetuating a rumor, by sharing or commenting on the post, could be ground for legal action.
In Texas, criminal justice institutions take cybersecurity and online privacy quite seriously. But, criminal lawyers, including David A. Nachtigall, understand how young people tend to be unaware of the implications of their actions.
It is important for parents to supervise their children’s online behavior. It is also essential for parents whose children face social media-related charges to get the proper representation from an attorney with a background in information technology.
Social media offers both opportunities and challenges for law enforcement and criminal justice institutions. Among other internet crimes, social media crime rates have risen significantly, and the youth plays a big part in it, given that it is the most active demographic online. This is why authorities and adults must work harder to encourage the positive use of such technologies and online social platforms.
