The Cost of Being “Cool” Online: When Social Media Pressure Leads Youth into Crime

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The law defines offences and their consequences. Yet many crimes committed by young people do not always come from deliberate criminal intent. They often arise from social pressure, a desire to be accepted, and limited awareness of the legal consequences of certain actions. In many cases, young people engage in risky behaviour to appear tough or “cool,” especially in groups where peer pressure encourages them to act without thinking about the long-term effects.

According to the National Public Prosecution Authority (NPPA), 78 percent of crimes prosecuted between June 2023 and June 2024 involved suspects under the age of 40.[1] While this statistic does not mean that all young people are involved in crime, it highlights how youth are frequently present in criminal cases. One factor that increasingly shapes youth behaviour today is the influence of social media.

Like many young people around the world, Rwandan youth are deeply connected to platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube. These platforms provide opportunities for creativity, communication, and entrepreneurship. However, they also create a strong desire for attention, followers, and recognition. The pressure to gain likes and online popularity can sometimes push young people to take actions that attract attention, even when those actions are inappropriate or risky.[2]

The digital environment also comes with its own challenges. The pursuit of likes, shares, and followers places pressure on young people to present idealised versions of their lives online. This constant comparison can affect self-esteem and encourage people to do things they would not normally do offline. In some cases, it leads to cyberbullying, the sharing of harmful content, or posting images and videos that violate the law.[3]

Some of these behaviours fall within Rwanda’s cybercrime legal framework. While the term “cyberbullying” is not explicitly mentioned in the law, similar conduct is addressed through provisions on cyber-stalking. The law prohibits the intentional use of a computer system to harass or threaten another person, including through the publication or sharing of indecent images, videos, or other digital content intended to cause fear or distress.[4]

 The pursuit of online “coolness” has therefore turned social media into a space where some young people cross the line between entertainment and criminal behaviour. In an effort to gain attention or appear popular, some record and share illegal acts, spread harmful content, or participate in online harassment. In more serious cases, these behaviours can develop into offences such as fraud, sextortion, or other forms of cybercrime.

Institutions such as the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) have increasingly paid attention to crimes linked to social media use. As digital technology continues to grow, so do the risks that come with irresponsible online behaviour. What may begin as a search for online recognition can quickly turn into actions that carry serious legal consequences.

Social media itself is not the problem. When used responsibly, it can be a powerful tool for learning, innovation, and connection. However, young people must also understand that the desire to appear “cool” online should never come at the cost of their reputation, their future, or the law. True confidence is not built on viral attention but on responsible choices that protect both oneself and others in the digital space.


[1] Times Reporter, ‘78 percent of crimes in Rwanda committed by persons under 40’, September 02, 2024 https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/19728/news/crime/78-percent-of-crimes-in-rwanda-committed-by-persons-under-40

[3] Linda M. Kagire, ‘The dark side of social media for Rwandan youth’, April 24, 2024 https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/16205/news/technology/the-dark-side-of-social-media-for-rwandan-youth

[4] See Article 35, LAW Nº 60/2018 OF 22/8/2018 ON PREVENTION AND PUNISHMENT OF CYBER CRIMES  

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