Consider an act or instance of deviance in current events, in the news, or locally. You'll write about this instance.
1) In your writing make sure to, at some point, define (or "operationalize") deviance in your own words USING OUR COURSE TEXTBOOK AS YOUR SOURCE. (For this excercise, avoid outside definitions)
2) Then, briefly describe a deviant act covered in the news– current or historic (such as an odd disturbance, a crime, protest, etc.).
3) Discuss the norms and any social response to the violation of norms. Be clear about any social norm(s) the behavior or situation violates?
Discuss whether a law (a codified norm) was broken?
Describe any changes is the expected behavior (may be challenge any existing laws)?
Or, did the act and the response to it reinforce these existing sanctions?
Full Answer Section
One recent example of deviance that has gained widespread attention is the "Momo Challenge." This online hoax, which emerged in 2018, reportedly targeted children and young adults through social media platforms like WhatsApp and YouTube. The challenge involved users searching for the name "Momo" or clicking on a mysterious image, which would trigger a series of disturbing messages and videos. These messages often threatened the user or their loved ones if they did not follow instructions or complete certain tasks.
The Momo Challenge sparked widespread fear and panic among parents and guardians, who were concerned about the potential psychological impact on their children. Some children reportedly experienced nightmares, anxiety, and even self-harm after encountering the challenge.
While the true extent of the Momo Challenge's impact is difficult to assess, it serves as a compelling example of how deviance can manifest in the digital age. The challenge exploited the anonymity and reach of the internet to spread fear and uncertainty, targeting a vulnerable population of young users.
Factors Contributing to the Deviance of the Momo Challenge
Several factors contributed to the deviance of the Momo Challenge, including:
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The anonymity of the internet: The online environment allowed the creators of the challenge to remain anonymous, shielding them from accountability and making it difficult to track their motives.
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The vulnerability of children and young adults: Children and young adults are often more susceptible to online manipulation and may be less likely to critically evaluate the information they encounter online.
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The use of fear and intimidation: The Momo Challenge employed fear and intimidation tactics to manipulate and control its victims. This created a sense of urgency and distress, making it more difficult for users to resist the challenge.
Societal Response to the Momo Challenge
The Momo Challenge triggered a significant societal response, with various stakeholders taking action to address the issue:
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Parents and guardians: Parents and guardians became more aware of the potential dangers of online challenges and took steps to educate their children about internet safety.
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Social media platforms: Social media platforms like YouTube and WhatsApp implemented measures to identify and remove Momo Challenge content.
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Law enforcement agencies: Law enforcement agencies investigated the origins of the challenge and worked to identify individuals responsible for its creation and dissemination.
Lessons Learned from the Momo Challenge
The Momo Challenge serves as a cautionary tale about the potential for deviance in the digital age. It highlights the importance of:
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Digital literacy education: Educating children and young adults about online safety and critical thinking skills can help them navigate the online world more safely.
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Responsible online behavior: Encouraging responsible online behavior, such as respecting others' privacy and not spreading harmful content, can help create a more positive and safe online environment.
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Collaboration among stakeholders: Collaboration among parents, educators, social media platforms, and law enforcement agencies can help identify, address, and prevent online threats.
Sample Answer
Deviance in Current Events: The Case of the "Momo Challenge"
Deviance, as defined in our course textbook, "Introduction to Sociology" by Richard J. Gelles and James M. Curtis, refers to "behavior that violates social norms and expectations." These norms and expectations vary across cultures and societies, but they generally serve to maintain order, stability, and predictability within a group. Deviance, on the other hand, disrupts this order and challenges the status quo.