Hidden Motivators: How bad social circle promotes criminal behavior
Criminal behavior is shaped by many factors psychological, social, and environmental, and these also vary from person to person. The people we surround ourselves with profoundly influence our psychological tendencies and behaviors., as we are inherently social beings. As a psychologist, I have identified 3 major reasons that promote criminal behavior. One of the most influential and major factors is harmful social circles. Our behavior is shaped by the people we surround ourselves with. The presence of bad company, even without direct communication can have a strong impact on our behaviors. Everyone experiences substantial psychological influence when individuals engaged in illicit activities are present within a social circle. Therefore, being surrounded by harmful social circles can shape our own behaviors, attitudes, and choices. Which leads us towards engaging in similar unlawful acts.
Both social and environmental factors contribute to individuals being influenced by a “bad company” in criminal behavior. Joining harmful social groups can drive them to participate in illegal activities. The presence of these individuals in their social circle or community shapes the surroundings that impact their behavior. A bad company actively creates an environment that fosters and encourages criminal behavior.
How Bad Social Circles Promotes Criminal Behavior
A Bad company can create an environment that encourages criminal behavior in the following ways.
- Normalization of Criminal Behavior
- Role Modeling
- Desensitization
- Social Acceptance
Normalization of Criminal Behavior
When constantly surrounded by bad company, your brain gradually starts to see those actions as more normal or acceptable. This happens because humans naturally tend to adopt the behaviors and attitudes of those around them. As a result, you may begin to perceive these actions as less deviant or wrong. This makes it easier for you to justify and engage in criminal behavior on your own. Eventually, you might even start to believe that these actions are not only acceptable but expected within your social group. Witnessing others participating in illegal activities can lead individuals to believe that such actions are effective and acceptable. Individuals may unknowingly absorb and internalize their behaviors, values, and ways of thinking. They may view these actions as a successful strategy for achieving their goals, and as a result, they start to emulate the behavior they see.
The influence of social dynamics and the desire for social acceptance play a significant role in this process. This cognitive shift occurs because humans have a natural inclination to conform to the behaviors and norms of their social environment. Gradually, the once deviant behavior becomes normalized and perceived as a feasible means to achieve desired outcomes. The absence of apparent negative consequences further reinforces the idea that engaging in criminal acts is a viable course of action. As a result, individuals may adopt these behaviors, rationalizing their choices based on the observed success and acceptance within their social group.
Role Modeling
The role modeling phenomenon is commonly referred to as “social modeling” in psychology. Social modeling encompasses the process of observing and imitating the behaviors, attitudes, and values of others, known as models, within a social context. This phenomenon highlights the powerful influence that others can have on shaping our own behaviors and beliefs. Role modeling plays a crucial role in shaping our beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. People tend to look to others as a source of guidance and inspiration, particularly those they admire or consider influential. They naturally tend to imitate the behaviors and attitudes of those they perceive as their peers or role models. If a significant portion of society is engaged in criminal activities and the prevalent role models are criminals, it can have a profound influence on the behavior of common individuals. They may begin to adopt and replicate the criminal actions they observe.
When individuals perceive criminals as role models, they may unwittingly absorb their behaviors, values, and ways of thinking. As individuals strive to be like these criminal role models, they may rationalize their own involvement in illegal activities. When criminals are seen as facing minimal consequences for their actions, it further reinforces the notion that engaging in criminal behavior is a viable and low-risk option. This skewed perspective can lead individuals to downplay the potential repercussions and underestimate the impact of their actions on themselves and others.
Desensitization
Continued exposure to criminal behavior within the bad company can desensitize an individual to the moral and ethical implications of such actions. Over time, they may become less sensitive to the potential harm caused by engaging in criminal acts. This process occurs gradually over time and can have profound effects on their perception of right and wrong. Social Cognitive Theory suggests that people learn behaviors through observation and imitation. According to this theory, individuals observe the criminal actions of others and perceive them as acceptable or normal due to their repeated exposure. As a result, their moral compass becomes less sensitive to the harm caused by engaging in criminal acts.
The desensitization process occurs due to a combination of these factors. Continued exposure to criminal acts within the bad company normalizes such behaviors, making them seem less morally objectionable. The individuals become accustomed to the presence of criminal behavior, which reduces their emotional response and sensitivity to the potential harm caused by engaging in illegal activities. As desensitization progresses, individuals may exhibit reduced empathy and concern for the victims of their criminal acts. The initial moral inhibitions they may have had towards such actions begin to diminish, leading to an increased willingness to engage in similar behavior themselves.
As individuals become desensitized, their perception of right and wrong shifts, making them less sensitive to the potential harm caused by engaging in criminal acts.
Social Identity and Belonging
The desire for social acceptance and a sense of belonging can motivate someone to conform to the group norms, including engaging in criminal behavior. People want to be accepted and fit in with a social circle, they often follow the rules and behavior patterns of that community. This is especially true when they are involved with a bad crowd, where there are criminals or people doing harmful things. They may fear rejection or isolation if they do not participate in the illicit activities promoted within the bad company. In these situations, the fear of being rejected or left out can be really strong and make individuals do illegal things just to be part of the group and keep their place in it.
They also might believe that emulating these behaviors will grant them power, success, or acceptance within their social circle. The desire for immediate gratification or the need to fit in can override their judgment, pushing them towards dangerous choices.
Conclusion
Harmful social circles can have a negative impact on an individual’s moral compass in several ways. There is a normalization of criminal behavior within these circles, where illegal activities become seen as ordinary or acceptable. This normalization can gradually erode the person’s understanding of what is right or wrong. Role modeling plays a significant role. When individuals are surrounded by people engaged in criminal behavior, they often look up to and imitate their actions. Desensitization occurs within these social circles. Exposure to repeated instances of criminal activity can make individuals less sensitive or emotionally unaffected by such behavior.
The desire for social acceptance within the group is a powerful motivator. Individuals fear rejection or isolation if they do not participate in the illegal activities promoted within the circle. The need to fit in and be accepted by their peers can override their moral judgment, leading them to engage in criminal behavior to maintain their social standing. In summary, harmful social circles can distort an individual’s understanding of right and wrong through the normalization of criminal behavior. Role modeling influences their behavior, desensitization reduces their internal resistance, and the desire for social acceptance can drive them to participate in illegal activities.