September 01, Colombo (LNW): A leading consultant psychiatrist has voiced serious concerns over a disturbing trend among young people in Sri Lanka, warning that social media is increasingly shaping aggressive behaviour and pushing vulnerable individuals towards violent subcultures.
Dr Rumi Ruben, a specialist psychiatrist based at Karapitiya National Hospital, has highlighted a growing pattern where violence is becoming a default method of conflict resolution amongst youth.
He attributes much of this shift to the unchecked influence of social media platforms, which, he argues, have become breeding grounds for hostility, misinformation, and radicalisation.
“Once used primarily as a tool for communication and ideological expression, social media has evolved into a space where hate is normalised, and violent behaviour is glorified,” Dr Ruben explained. “Young people, often still in their formative years, are particularly susceptible to these influences and may begin to mirror the aggression they see online in real life.”
He emphasised that this exposure can lead to dangerous outcomes, such as involvement in criminal networks, drug-related activities, or even the formation of armed groups. Many of these individuals, Dr Ruben noted, suffer from deep-rooted anger and emotional instability—issues which are often overlooked until it is too late.
He went on to underscore the importance of early intervention. Identifying at-risk youth before they are fully absorbed into violent lifestyles is critical, he said, and must be followed by targeted rehabilitation programmes that address both psychological and social needs.
Dr Ruben also called for a more robust legal response to organised crime and gang activity, stating that bringing key figures within these underworld circles to justice would help deter others from following the same path.
However, he was quick to stress that punitive measures alone are not enough—long-term solutions require a coordinated effort between mental health professionals, educators, community leaders, and law enforcement agencies.
His comments come at a time when Sri Lanka, like many countries, is grappling with the societal impact of rapidly evolving digital spaces. Experts are urging greater public awareness of the psychological effects of online content, particularly on adolescents and young adults, as well as stronger regulation to limit the spread of harmful material.
