The Dark Glue Effect in Social Media Lynchings

Üsküdar University Founding President and Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan evaluated the neuropsychological background of the lynch culture on social media. He emphasized that during lynching actions, dopamine and oxytocin are secreted in the brain, causing individuals to take pleasure from this malicious situation.

The Chemical Reaction of the Brain

Touching upon the neuropsychological dimension of lynching behavior, Prof. Dr. Tarhan stated that chemicals associated with pleasure are secreted in the brain during this process. He expressed that the brain secretes a dark glue in such situations.

Explaining that the feeling of anger gives pleasure to the person and causes dopamine to be secreted in the brain, Tarhan noted that oxytocin, the bonding hormone, also comes into play in actions performed as a group.

The Difference Between Criticism and Lynching

Stating that criticism and lynching should not be confused with each other, Prof. Dr. Tarhan said that the purpose of criticism is to correct.

Emphasizing that the act of lynching aims to destroy, the expert stated that the need for the individual to feel morally superior lies at the root of this psychology.

Digitalization and Herd Mentality

Stating that digitalization builds a wall in front of conscience, Tarhan emphasized that this situation leads to the concepts of digital executionering and digital inquisition.

Stating that the individuals who lynch have weak egos and act with a herd mentality, the expert noted that digital literacy is of vital importance for mental health.

Effects on Mental Health

Drawing attention to the necessity of legal sanctions and transparent algorithms, Prof. Dr. Tarhan pointed out the dangers that social media lynching can create.

He stated that such digital attacks can lead to serious mental health problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder and long-term depression.