The Role of Media and Modern Digital Technologies in Juvenile Delinquency

Abstract

Juvenile delinquency is a social phenomenon influenced by various factors, both within and outside the family. These factors, including surrounding circumstances, can contribute to deviance across all age groups, manifesting as negative behaviors that deviate from social norms. The most severe form of this delinquency is when a juvenile commits a punishable crime, resulting in criminal deviance. This delinquency can stem from factors related to the juvenile themselves or external factors, such as media and technology. Media and technology play a significant role in shaping a juvenile's personality, acting as a vehicle for transmitting ideas and beliefs from one generation to the next, fostering relationships and connections, and influencing human behavior and awareness at all stages of life, from childhood to adulthood and old age. In essence, media has become a necessity of life following the media revolution and the development of various media outlets within society. It disseminates information and facts, impacting individuals' thoughts and decisions in all aspects, sometimes positively and sometimes negatively. Media can contribute to the erosion of values, principles, and morals within society, potentially hindering individuals from considering the consequences and leading them to commit crimes under the powerful influence of what they see or read. Media content is a powerful influence on a child's personality, potentially leading to criminal delinquency. Iraqi law has established mechanisms to curb crimes committed by juveniles through media and electronic technologies, which can contribute to their deviant behavior. Given the importance of this issue, most legislations, including Egyptian law, impose severe penalties on those who exploit technology for blackmail, particularly when children become victims of cyber extortion.