When one click leads to another: How algorithms can pull teens into violent content

It often begins with curiosity.

A teenager watches a documentary about a crime, pauses on a shocking video or clicks on a discussion about a violent incident. Before long, their social media feed begins recommending similar content, sometimes becoming increasingly graphic or extreme.

In an article by Sinar Daily, experts describe this as an algorithmic rabbit hole — where recommendation systems gradually narrow what users see based on what they've previously watched or engaged with.

According to Universiti Putra Malaysia artificial intelligence senior lecturer Dr Azree Shahrel Ahmad Nazri, this does not mean that watching violent content automatically leads to violent behaviour. However, repeated exposure can slowly shape how young people perceive violence, empathy and risk, particularly while their brains are still developing.

Not every video appears by choice. Sometimes, it's simply what the algorithm decides to show next.

He explained that children and younger teenagers are especially vulnerable because the parts of the brain responsible for emotional regulation, critical thinking and impulse control continue developing into early adulthood.

As violent content appears more frequently, it may create the false impression that such behaviour is more common or socially accepted than it really is. Online discussions can also glorify offenders or shift attention away from the real impact violence has on victims and their families.

Dr Azree also cautioned against relying on unqualified influencers who discuss sensitive issues such as violence, crime and mental health without the necessary expertise, as misinformation can easily spread online.

Meanwhile, Communications and Multimedia Content Forum chief executive officer Mediha Mahmood said algorithms play a significant role in shaping young people's online experiences by continually recommending similar content based on previous interactions.

Parental controls can help—but open conversations matter just as much.

She believes protecting children online should be a shared responsibility between platforms, schools and parents. Beyond teaching digital literacy, she encourages helping young people develop "digital reflexes" — the ability to pause, question what they're seeing and recognise when content is manipulating their curiosity.

For parents, that starts with keeping conversations open. Rather than focusing on every click, creating a safe space where children feel comfortable talking about what they encounter online may be one of the most effective ways to help them navigate the digital world.

Source: Sinar Daily