When Cruelty Goes Viral

A disturbing wave of voyeurism and sadism is sweeping through young digital lives, especially in Kashmir.

- Uzma Qadir Mir

On a cold afternoon in 2023, two boys in Sopore's Zaloora village swung sticks at each other, their faces twisted with anger.

Nearby, a third boy didn’t step in to stop the fight. He recorded it.

The video went viral, amassing thousands of views. For him, the fight wasn’t a problem to solve but content to share.

This disturbing moment reflects a growing trend: youth increasingly drawn to sadism and voyeurism, finding entertainment in others’ suffering and private moments.

Sadism—the enjoyment of causing suffering—and voyeurism—the thrill of secretly watching others—have found unsettling new life in the digital age. Social media platforms amplify these impulses, turning real-world cruelty into shareable entertainment.

In Kashmir, the problem feels especially stark.

A 2019 study by the University of Kashmir found that 25.8% of students had been bullied, with 14% admitting they had bullied others.

Even more alarming, bullying came from multiple sources: 33% from teachers, 32% from seniors, and 47% from peers.

"Kids see violence normalized everywhere," said Aisha Malik, a school counselor in Srinagar. "They're not just copying what they see, they're filming it, sharing it, celebrating it."

The case of Sainik School Mansbal in 2024 brings this to light. A Class 11 student ended up in hospital after brutal ragging by seniors, requiring stitches. The school principal called it “a failure of oversight.”