Rise in crimes, blame OTT platforms

The shocking case of a 39-year-old former army man who killed his wife and dumped her into a lake at Jillelaguda in Hyderabad is a case of influence from OTT platforms.

- METRO INDIA NEWS | EKALAVYA MALLEPALLI

Investigations revealed that the accused watched crime web series to learn how to mutilate a body and dispose of it. He also used YouTube videos to study methods for dissolving flesh and bones with chemicals and suppressing odours to avoid suspicion. This chilling act has sparked debates about the unintended consequences of crime-based content, which often provides detailed methods that can inspire criminal behavior. A study analyzing 25 reports from 2017 to 2024 has been published in the International Journal of Indian Psychology on March 31, 2024 highlights the adverse effects of OTT (Over-The-Top) content on society, indicating a rise in crimes and sexual violence linked to the consumption of such content. The study suggests that the nature of OTT content may be contributing to these negative societal trends.