Study links TikTok use to attraction to criminals
New study finds young women's engagement with TikTok content romanticizing criminals is linked to hybristophilia.
Why it matters
- Highlights a potential influence of social media on romantic attractions.
- Identifies personality traits linked to this phenomenon.
By the numbers
- Survey of 95 women aged 18-27.
- Analyzed 66 videos and 91 comments.
- Machiavellianism and psychopathy are strong predictors.
The big picture
- Social media content can shape perceptions and attractions.
- Certain personality traits may predispose individuals to these attractions.
What they're saying
- Some users question the link between hybristophilia and psychopathy based on TikTok data.
- Others highlight the main findings and their implications.
Caveats
- Study sample was mostly from Western countries.
- Content analysis excluded critical commentary.
- Further validation of the Hybristophilia Scale is needed.
What’s next
- More research with diverse populations.
- Further validation of the Hybristophilia Scale.
- Exploring nuanced attitudes toward different types of crime.