From Victims to Actors: A Dual Criminological and Victimological Perspective on Youth Radicalization in Digital Subcultures

Abstract

The rapid evolution of the digital landscape has fundamentally transformed the nature of modern terrorism and youth violence. This article explores the intersection of digital ecosystems, human behavior, and crime, utilizing both criminological and victimological frameworks. Through a criminological lens, the study examines the shift from traditional, coherent terrorist doctrines to "Mixed, Unclear, and Unstable" (MUU) ideologies, where personal grievances are fused with fragmented extremist narratives. It investigates the role of the True Crime Community (TCC) and the phenomenon of "memetic violence," illustrating how digital subcultures normalize and celebritize violence. These digital environments serve as echo chambers that accelerate the behavioral escalation from passive content consumption to active radicalization. Concurrently, drawing upon victimological perspectives, the article conceptualizes youths as "victims and actors". It highlights how prior victimization—such as bullying, family dysfunction, and social exclusion—creates psychological vulnerabilities that are systematically exploited by digital grooming and radical networks. Furthermore, the analysis categorizes online threats into Content, Contact, Conduct, and Contract risks, illustrating the multifaceted nature of digital victimization experienced by minors. Ultimately, this article argues that approaching youth radicalization solely through the lens of ideology or punitive law enforcement is insufficient. It advocates against early criminalization, proposing instead a macro-social, trauma-informed early warning system. By integrating family, educational, and community interventions to address the root causes of distress and alienation, the proposed framework aims to build social resilience, protect vulnerable youths, and effectively mitigate the embryonic stages of digital terrorism.