I am often asked how young boys could be rapists. For many adolescent men, the answer is entitlement
Violent pornography and algorithmic feeds are teaching young people to prioritise their own sexual gratification. As the problem evolves, so too must our solutions
TL;DR
- Adolescent boys are now the most likely perpetrators of sexual violence against those under 18 in Australia and the US.
- Violent pornography and social media algorithms may be teaching young people to prioritize their own sexual gratification and a sense of entitlement.
- Criminal lawyers report a decrease in the age of defendants and complainants in sexual assault cases, along with an rise in violent sexual behaviors.
- The 'entitled opportunist' rapist, motivated by immediate sexual gratification rather than malice, often perpetrates for the first time as a teen.
- Solutions must evolve with the problem, including addressing social media algorithms through a digital duty of care and educating youth about pornography.
- Alternative justice mechanisms outside the criminal system may be necessary for survivors and perpetrators, especially given the high rate of child perpetrators.