मैगज़्टर गोल्ड के साथ असीमित हो जाओ

मैगज़्टर गोल्ड के साथ असीमित हो जाओ

10,000 से अधिक पत्रिकाओं, समाचार पत्रों और प्रीमियम कहानियों तक असीमित पहुंच प्राप्त करें सिर्फ

$149.99
 
$74.99/वर्ष
The Perfect Holiday Gift Gift Now

Post and boast: Social media makes crime seem aspirational rather than reckless, say experts

The Straits Times

|

March 16, 2025

Social media makes crime seem aspirational rather than reckless, said experts who weighed in on young criminals who "post and boast" their exploits.

-  Andrew Wong

Post and boast: Social media makes crime seem aspirational rather than reckless, say experts

Mr Gopal Mahey, senior counsellor at the Centre for Psychotherapy, said social media can provide a platform with instant audiences and a curated reality, which could provide a false sense of belonging for users.

"Algorithms reward spectacle. The more outrageous the flex, the more engagement it gets.

"The hustle culture narrative promotes the idea that success is about fast money, regardless of the method used to achieve it," said Mr Gopal.

imageThe fact that viral content thrives on controversy also reinforces dangerous behaviours as users become incentivised by engaging in higher risk-taking, he added.

Dr Annabelle Chow, principal clinical psychologist at Annabelle Psychology, said social media platforms are the perfect breeding ground for those seeking admiration or validation from others.

She said that a thriving "flex" culture is in part due to the social media scene, where influencers "flex" or flaunt their lives to become the source of envy among their community.

"I think social media fuels these behaviours. That need for comparison, to be validated, or simply to show off. The behaviour is not new, but social media amplifies these effects with very little effort," she said.

The experts were commenting on the exploits of a number of young people who bragged about their flashy lifestyle earned through alleged criminal activities.

They include Malone Lam Yu Xuan, a 20-year-old from Singapore accused of being a co-conspirator in one of the largest cryptocurrency thefts in US history.

Lam allegedly stole Bitcoin valued at more than US$240 million (S$320 million) and spent large chunks on mansions, cars, luxury clothes and jewellery.

Others who made the headlines include local influencer Chin Tung Sheng, who on March 7 pleaded guilty to seven charges including forgery, cheating and theft.

The Straits Times से और कहानियाँ

The Straits Times

BICYCLE-KICK KING IS HOSTS' AFCON HERO

In a Morocco side with Africa's best player, El Kaabi's acrobatics has captured hearts

time to read

3 mins

January 03, 2026

The Straits Times

Fan Bingbing appears on local live stream from Sunset Way home

Chinese movie star Fan Bingbing spent part of her New Year’s Day at a local live streamer’s home in Sunset Way, appearing on a stream hosted by father-son duo Patrick Low and Ryan Low for about 30 minutes.

time to read

2 mins

January 03, 2026

The Straits Times

Watchdog seeks feedback on proposed sale of EV charging firm ChargEco

If acquisition is approved, SP Mobility will take over its competitor's charging points

time to read

2 mins

January 03, 2026

The Straits Times

Xi to host S. Korean leader amid strained Sino-Japan ties

Analysts say Beijing aims to deepen ties with Seoul before President Lee visits Japan

time to read

2 mins

January 03, 2026

The Straits Times

Litterbugs in Malaysia may be ordered to trim trees as penalty

Besides sweeping streets and cleaning drains and public toilets, those found guilty of littering in Malaysia may now also be ordered to trim trees as part of their community service, said Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.

time to read

1 mins

January 03, 2026

The Straits Times

Will the AI bubble burst?

Experts say the outlook for AI in 2026 is complicated.

time to read

1 min

January 03, 2026

The Straits Times

Fire breaks out at Hong Lim food centre during lunchtime

A fire broke out at Hong Lim Market and Food Centre during lunchtime on Jan 2.

time to read

4 mins

January 03, 2026

The Straits Times

Tears and stunned silence as hundreds mourn Swiss fire victims at vigil

Hundreds gathered in silence in the freezing night in Crans-Montana on the evening of Jan 1, laying flowers and lighting candles to remember those killed and injured in a horrific blaze as they celebrated the New Year.

time to read

3 mins

January 03, 2026

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

FROM AUGUSTA TO THE SEA GAMES: SINGAPORE GOLF'S LANDMARK 2025

The curtains may have come down on Singapore golf in 2025, but memories of what has been a truly historic year for the sport will linger long in the collective memories of golf fans here.

time to read

3 mins

January 03, 2026

The Straits Times

GIC, Temasek investments flat in 2025 at $39.8 billion: Report

Global peers’ spending up, shows tracker of 400 sovereign wealth, public pension funds

time to read

5 mins

January 03, 2026

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size