The spread of violent videos on social media: A question of sensitivity and responsibility
In recent days, videos depicting the brutal murder of an innocent child and the tragic killing of a shopkeeper in Hansi have been posted and shared extensively on social media. Just a glimpse of these videos is enough to send shivers down the spine of any sensitive individual. Very few people dare to watch the entire video. Anyone who watches them is distraught by their horror and inhumanity. Such videos carry no message, no positive intention, but only pain, fear, and mental discomfort. Therefore, it’s natural to question whether the open dissemination of such content on social media is justified, and shouldn’t platforms be responsible for removing it immediately?
In the digital age, the exchange of information has become much faster than ever before. Any incident reaches millions of people within minutes. This is a positive aspect of technology, as it provides people with instant information. However, when this same technology is used to spread horrific images of murder, accidents, or personal tragedies, it becomes a matter of concern. There is a clear distinction between information and sensationalism. While reporting an incident may be necessary, repeatedly broadcasting gruesome images of that incident is in no way justified.
When a child is murdered or a person is brutally killed, it’s not just a news story. Behind it lies a family’s pain, countless shattered dreams, and a lifetime of grief. When such videos go viral, the suffering of the affected families is exacerbated. Those already reeling from the loss of loved ones are forced to watch the same scenes again and again on social media. This is nothing short of mental torture for them. In any civilized society, the dignity of the deceased and their family must be respected, but viral culture has often overtaken this sensitivity.
With the growing influence of social media, the competition to go “viral” has also increased. In pursuit of more likes, views, shares, and followers, many people share such content without ethical consideration. Sometimes, people post videos claiming to show the truth, when in reality they are unknowingly or intentionally turning a traumatic event into a digital spectacle. Using someone’s death or suffering as a means to gain popularity is not only a sign of insensitivity but also a sign of the erosion of social values.
Such videos are also extremely harmful psychologically. Viewing violent and bloody scenes can increase stress, fear, anxiety, and mental distress in people. Many sensitive individuals are left with long-term distress. The impact on children and adolescents can be even more severe. They may either become extremely fearful or begin to accept violence as normal behavior. In the open world of the Internet, it is nearly impossible to ensure that such videos remain limited to adults. Therefore, their uncontrolled spread poses a threat to society’s mental health.
Another serious problem is that constantly viewing violent content can lead to increased insensitivity. Scenes that previously horrified the mind gradually begin to seem normal. Repeatedly witnessing scenes of murder, accidents, and bloodshed can weaken a person’s sense of compassion and empathy. This is not a good sign for any society. The hallmark of a healthy society is its sensitivity. If people stop empathizing with the suffering of others, the foundation of social relationships and human values begins to weaken.
This is where the responsibility of social media platforms becomes crucial. Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and other digital platforms have advanced technology and artificial intelligence tools to identify violent content. Yet, many horrific videos remain on the platforms for hours, sometimes even days, reaching millions of people. This situation is unacceptable. Videos depicting murder, serious violence, or crimes against children must be removed immediately. Strict action must be taken against those who upload and disseminate such content.
The role of the media is also crucial in this context. The purpose of journalism is not only to attract audience attention, but also to provide information responsibly. Over the years, certain ethical standards have been established in journalism, which ensure the dignity of the deceased, the privacy of victims, and the psychological safety of viewers. These same values must be adhered to on digital and social media as well. While information about an incident can be provided, repeatedly displaying its horror is not journalism, but sensationalism.
However, blaming only the platforms and media isn’t enough. Viewers and ordinary citizens also have a responsibility. It’s not necessary to share violent videos after viewing or receiving them. If people report such videos, stop forwarding them, and encourage others to do the same, their spread can be significantly curbed. Digital citizenship means not just using the internet, but also using it responsibly.
The need today is to use technology to strengthen humanity, not to turn suffering into a spectacle. Our first reaction to a tragic event should be empathy, sympathy, and a demand for justice, not the forwarding of horrific videos. The murder of an innocent child or the death of an innocent person is a matter of grief and introspection for society, not entertainment or curiosity.
In fact, the hallmark of any civilized and sensitive society is its respect and compassion for its most vulnerable and suffering. If we broadcast someone’s final suffering as social media content, we are not just sharing a video but also losing a part of our sensitivity. Therefore, the need of the hour is for social media platforms to immediately remove such content, for the law to take its course, and for society itself to resolve to make humanity and compassion viral, not tragedy. This is the greatest moral imperative of the digital age.
