Rising crime levels are a troubling trend that many countries have grappled with. While there are various reasons for this trend, two key factors stand out as major contributors: poverty and the influence of social media. This issue can be addressed by developing technology-based community support programs.
Poverty is one of the leading causes of crime. In many low-income areas, people struggle to meet their basic needs, including food and shelter, which can push them towards criminal activities. They may resort to theft, robbery, and other illegal means to provide for themselves and their families. This is true in many African countries the amount of pickpockets increases every year, which shows the people’s severe material deprivation.
The influence of social media can also lead to increased crime rates. To be specific, Some criminals take advantage of social networks to spread violent ideas, posts, or videos to people, especially teenagers. Thus, insecure social media can glamorize criminal behavior or sensationalize violence, sometimes creating an allure around crime. An example of this is that the “Blue Whale Challenge” in India reportedly encouraged participants to complete increasingly dangerous tasks, culminating in self-harm.
To deal with the causes of crime, a multifaceted approach is necessary. In my perspective, governments must invest in programs to create online learning and employment opportunities. In addition, online platforms can help the poor, especially youth, access free or low-cost courses to improve their chances of employment and reduce the likelihood of falling into criminal behavior. For instance, In countries with low education access, the platform “Khan Academy” allows students to continue learning without attending a formal school.
To conclude, the rise in crime is a complex issue that stems from poverty and media influence. Therefore, implementing effective strategies such as online learning can solve this worldwide issue.