Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, who deeply examined the widespread phenomenon of 'self-exhibition' behavior reaching the level of fetishism in the digital age and its psychological, sociological, criminological, and cultural dimensions, stated that self-exhibition behavior does not directly imply a criminal tendency.
Prof. Dr. Tarhan said, “When the personality structure of individuals prone to violence and crime, impulse control problems, media support, and the social environment combine, they create a facilitating ground for turning to crime. Awareness, protection, and prevention efforts should also be made for individuals in risk groups, such as young people.”
Evaluating from a clinical criminological perspective, Prof. Dr. Tarhan said, “Self-exhibitionism fetishism alone does not determine violent tendencies. However, when reward seeking, weak executive control, and narcissistic traits combine, a strong framework for increased risk emerges and supports violence.”
Üsküdar University Founding Rector, Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, deeply examined the widespread phenomenon of 'self-exhibition' behavior reaching the level of fetishism in the digital age and its psychological, sociological, criminological, and cultural dimensions.
“Self-Exhibition Has Become a Daily Practice for Many in the Digital Age”
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan stated that “self-exhibition” (self-exhibitionism) has become a daily practice for many, especially in the digital age with the widespread use of social media, saying, “However, this behavior reaching the level of fetishism, meaning a person becoming obsessed with exhibiting their own body, life, or image, is a subject with psychological, sociological, criminological, and even cultural dimensions. Expressing oneself and being visible is a natural need. But when this need becomes disproportionate to one's self-worth, it can turn into a kind of fetishism or psychological addiction. I wanted to draw attention to this issue because today, the normalization and even aestheticization of crime for the sake of 'trends' are starting to turn into clinical cases. While ensuring that predatory anti-socials (Psychopaths) are punished in the harshest way, it is also necessary to warn younger generations 'not to become their targets'. ”
What is Self-Exhibition?
Prof. Dr. Tarhan stated that self-exhibition is a natural presentation of the self, an effort by an individual to increase their visibility with the aim of being liked, approved, and noticed by others, and he expressed the following:
“This is not just physical exposure, but also exposing one's lifestyle, mindset, and achievements. Here, fetishism can be evaluated not as idolatry in the classic sexual sense, but as a behavior or object being excessively invested with meaning and becoming a source of pleasure. In this situation, the person makes attracting attention, gaining approval, and even 'being visible' a kind of addiction, constantly shaping themselves for the external gaze. Examples include constantly sharing photos, changes in mood based on views and likes, and feeling incomplete if they don't 'post a story,' which determine the person's daily life.”
“Self-Presentation in Humans Becomes Fetishized When It Turns into 'Like' and 'Follower' Addiction”
Prof. Dr. Tarhan noted that the desire for self-presentation and acceptance in humans is natural, stating, “Social psychology links this need to belonging, approval, and feeling valued. However, when this need constantly becomes exhibitionism, turning into an addiction to 'likes' and 'followers,' at the point where self-esteem is solely tied to external approval, it becomes fetishized; that is, the means (self-presentation) becomes the end. The frequency of sharing transforms into fetish objects carrying the person's self-worth. In other words, the person constructs their own self as an 'object to be watched.' Factors such as narcissistic tendencies (the need to constantly see oneself at the center), low self-esteem (feeling valuable through approval and likes), the digital approval cycle ('Like = dopamine' – the brain gets accustomed to the reward system), and emptiness and identity search (weak self-perception, efforts to build identity through social approval) can be behind this behavior.”
Prof. Dr. Tarhan also stated that psychoanalytically, fetishism is a behavior of “compensating for a feeling of inadequacy by fixating it on an object” in psychoanalysis, adding, “Here, the 'object' is the person themselves or their visibility.”
“In Digital Culture, 'Self-Exhibition' Has Transformed into a Type of Performance Economy”
Prof. Dr. Tarhan also explained that “self-exhibition” in digital culture has transformed into a kind of performance economy, continuing:
“People can present their lives, relationships, and even their beliefs as 'watchable content.' At this point, 'reality' gives way to 'representation.' Identity is reduced less to the question 'Who am I?' and more to 'Who am I in the eyes of others?' Individuals start to constantly arrange themselves like a shop window. Society also supports this fetishism: algorithms that say 'Show yourself!', influencer culture where 'if you're visible, you exist,' and consumer society where 'image is sold and marketed.' In this environment, self-exhibition is no longer a personal satisfaction but becomes social capital. Data such as follower count and like ratio can become status indicators.”
When Does It Become a Problem?
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan explained when self-exhibition behavior becomes a problem with the following points:
a) When digital visibility begins to replace real-life connections,
b) If anxiety, depression, and feelings of worthlessness arise when the person is not liked,
c) If originality is lost and artificial content is produced merely to attract attention,
d) If the person acts with a constant urge to be watched,
e) If loneliness and the moral dimension are affected, constant self-exhibition damages internal authenticity and the sense of privacy. If physical appearance and social media profiles distort the distance between one's 'essence' and 'apparent self,' and one lives constantly with an 'external gaze' instead of introspective contemplation, spiritual dissatisfaction and profound loneliness can emerge.
We enter the spiral of fetishism if we do not ask ourselves these questions:
1- Why am I making this post?
2- What will I feel if I don't get likes?
3- Does my sense of self-worth get damaged when I am not visible?”
What is its Criminological Dimension?
Prof. Dr. Tarhan stated that in criminology literature, the extreme dimension of self-exhibition can turn into flamboyant crimes (car race videos), digital crimes (hacking, exposure), and exhibitionism in sexual offenses, adding:
“How does 'self-exhibitionism fetishism' affect individuals prone to violence from a criminological perspective? The answer to this question is multi-layered because violent tendencies are related to an individual's psychological structure, social environment, impulse control, and motivations. However, the need for self-exhibition can play a triggering or legitimizing role for these tendencies. Can individuals experiencing self-exhibitionism fetishism be prone to crime, and what are the risk factors? Self-exhibition behavior is not inherently linked to crime. Many people enjoy being visible on social media; this does not directly lead them to commit crimes. But when the subject is 'exhibition at a fetish level,' some psychological dynamics can create a fertile ground for risky tendencies.”
Individuals Experiencing "Self-Exhibitionism Fetishism" Can Be Prone to Crime
Prof. Dr. Tarhan, stating that individuals experiencing "self-exhibitionism fetishism" can be prone to crime, listed potential risk factors and criminal tendencies as follows:
“a) Narcissistic personality disorder
Excessive self-exhibition can be a symptom of narcissistic tendencies. Narcissistic individuals can be intolerant of criticism, lacking empathy, and prone to violating rules for their own benefit. This can indirectly pave the way for crimes such as manipulation, fraud, defamation, and interference with private life.
b) Borderline personality traits
Individuals experiencing rapidly shifting moods and feelings of emptiness may engage in self-harming or harm-inflicting behaviors to attract attention.
c) Digital antisocials (Psychopaths)
Digital platforms are a very conducive environment for individuals prone to crime. Predatory antisocials thrive on crime and violence; these must be punished in the harshest way. However, it is important to warn younger generations to avoid becoming their targets. They may show a tendency toward cybercrimes such as sharing false information, slander, or spreading private information to gain likes or attention. Behaviors like deepfake, fake identity use, and digital blackmail become a risk for criminal propensity when combined with an obsession with "being visible."
d) Sexual exhibition and boundary violation
If this exhibition is sexual in nature and the person exposes it to others without their consent, behaviors such as exhibitionism can fall under the scope of criminal offenses.
e) Psychological addiction and loss of behavioral control
A person with an addiction to constant self-exhibition may exhibit extreme behaviors to attract attention: self-harm, inappropriate behavior in public places, threats, etc.
f) Societal impact and aestheticization of crime
The transformation of illegal actions performed by some social media “influencers” to attract attention into “content” normalizes this process.
Some examples include dangerous driving videos, damaging public property, violating others' privacy, creating fake crises for followers (e.g., fake kidnapping cases). Such behaviors can lead to the aestheticization of crime for the sake of “trends.””
When Does Criminal Tendency Begin?
Regarding when criminal tendency begins, Prof. Dr. Tarhan said, “While sharing one's own photos alone does not pose a risk, if sharing becomes obsessive, it can carry psychological risk and indirectly create a propensity for crime. However, attracting attention with dangerous or immoral content, exhibiting behavior that violates the rights of others, and especially resorting to crime to attract attention, are directly linked to criminal tendency and are considered serious risk factors.”
The Need for Attention in Individuals with Violent Tendencies…
Prof. Dr. Tarhan drew attention to the fact that violence is not just an individual outburst of anger or destructive behavior, but also linked to identity construction, the need for attention, and visibility, classifying the issue as follows:
“a- The need for attention in individuals with violent tendencies: Some individuals prone to violence experience narcissistic injury, feelings of humiliation, or fear of invisibility. For these people, being visible becomes equivalent to “existing.” Self-exhibition can transform into a form of power display, a tool for revenge, or even an identity presentation for them. Example: a logic like “nobody notices me, but if I do this act, everyone will talk about me” comes into play.
Recording and Sharing Violent Behaviors on Video
b- Digital violence and the desire for display: In recent years, especially on social media, examples include recording and sharing violent behaviors, publishing psychological/verbal attacks against other individuals, and the desire to go “viral” by inflicting violence on animals/humans.
c- Violent behaviors directly linked to self-exhibitionism fetishism: Crime is treated not just as an act, but as a performance. The presence of a camera can increase the motivation for the crime. Violence becomes a form of taking the stage. “Spectacle violence” and the search for legitimacy are emphasized in the theories of criminologists like Jean Baudrillard and David Garland, where modern crimes are seen not only to aim at “causing harm” but also to gain a communicative, symbolic, and aesthetic dimension. In this framework, violence becomes a message. The perpetrator expresses themselves, makes themselves visible, and displays power. They resort to crime to “prove their existence.” Thus, violence becomes a form of communication, an identity manifesto.
Group Dynamics and "Crime for Show"
d- Group dynamics and “crime for show”: If individuals prone to violence have a desire for acceptance or appreciation in front of an audience, they may escalate violent behaviors even further. This is frequently observed in gangs or social media groups. Violence becomes a ritual, a display of achievement, an affirmation of belonging. By exhibiting themselves, individuals both declare “I am here” and gain identity through symbols like power, status, and fear.
e-“Dangerous threshold: visibility + violence + anomie”: If there is a void of values/anomie in society (i.e., norms and rules have blurred), committing a crime for some individuals can be a form of attention-seeking, ego gratification, a way of expression, revenge, or even a career path.
f-The relationship between self-exhibition and crime in young people: Self-exhibition alone does not imply a criminal tendency. Most people do it simply out of a need for approval, acceptance, and belonging. Especially in young people, this behavior is part of identity seeking. Clinically, a temporary intensity that can be considered normal in “personality development” can often be observed. During this time, they can become easy prey for predatory antisocials. Therefore, age-based access restrictions have been recommended in recent years.
Risk factors: The key point here is that self-exhibition alone is not the cause of crime, but it is a risk factor that can create a fertile ground for crime. Especially when combined with personality disorders (e.g., narcissistic or antisocial personality), it can increase criminal potential. Early adolescence (10-16) is very sensitive in identity and personality development.”
The Constant Need for Self-Exhibition in Young People Also Creates Openness to Risky Behaviors…
Impulse control problems: The constant need for self-exhibition in young people can lead to greater dependence on instant gratification. This, in turn, creates openness to risky behaviors.
Violation of personal boundaries: A disregarded sense of privacy, shame, and compassion—i.e., empathy education—in young people can lead individuals to more easily “instrumentalize” both themselves and others, becoming target children who are used.
Antisocial tendencies: If exhibition behavior in young people's friendships is aimed at manipulation, deceiving others, or abuse, it can give rise to antisocial personality patterns, turning them into potential criminals.
Addiction and crime relationship: When social media addiction or exhibitionism becomes an obsession in young people's friendships, individuals may resort to illegal, provocative, or aggressive actions “to be seen more.”
g- The Spectacle Dimension of Violence: For individuals prone to violence, “exhibition” can be a motivation-enhancing factor. They not only commit acts of violence but also take pleasure in turning them into a spectacle. Getting into a fight on camera, recording an assault, or sharing it on social media transforms violence into an “identity display.” This is referred to as “performance crimes” in criminology: the act is performed with the intention of being watched and displayed.
Violence Can Be Fueled by Social Approval
h- The Reinforcing Cycle of Violence: Social media puts the exhibition need of violence-prone individuals into a reinforcing cycle: violent behavior is exhibited. “Reward” is received through views, likes, or fear. The person turns to more intense and risky behaviors. This process is explained by “positive reinforcement” in classic behavioral theory. Violence is fed by social approval.
The Identity and Power Perception Dimension of Violence: A violence-prone individual demonstrates themselves as powerful and intimidating through exhibition. They find an opportunity to say “I exist” in front of an audience. They compensate for their lacking self-esteem through the visibility of violence. This situation is particularly prominent when combined with antisocial personality disorder and narcissistic tendencies.”
Societal Impact and the “Contagion” Dimension
Prof. Dr. Tarhan pointed out that the exhibition of violence creates an effect of imitation and contagion in criminology literature, continuing:
“It doesn't matter if it's live or virtual violence. Young people can be influenced by such displays of violence and try similar actions. Especially gangs, fan groups, and radical organizations present violence as a 'heroic performance.' Thus, violence becomes not just an individual act, but a collective identity display.”
Recommended Principles for Solution
Prof. Dr. Tarhan emphasized the following principles for preventing violence:
Principle of developing awareness: Frequently asking the question, “Am I really doing this for myself, or to be seen?”
Principle of private space: The value of “self-protection” should be reminded at both individual and societal levels. It is necessary to learn to protect your privacy and intimacy from childhood.
“Respecting the privacy, apologies, and sacredness of others” is a behavior that needs to be learned.
Principle of self-esteem: Gaining approval not from external sources, but from one's own values and internal consistency.
Principle of balance: Consciously maintaining the line between exhibiting and sharing.
Principle of media control: Limiting the spread of violent images is an important criminological measure.
Alternative channels: Encouraging the expression of needs for power and identity through non-violent means (sports, art, social responsibility) is important.
Principle of education: Awareness of privacy (private space), self-esteem, and setting boundaries should be instilled at an early age. For therapeutic education, exhibition behavior that reaches a pathological dimension should be directed to healthy channels, especially with psychotherapy.
Media and social platforms should place limits on “crime-encouraging exhibition.”
Societal ‘Freedom and Responsibility Balance’ principle: Media and social platforms should place limits on “crime-encouraging exhibition.” This is also very important for those who view the issue solely from the perspective of individual freedom. Studies on domestic violence and violence against women on a global scale suggest saying “We live by observing the balance of freedom and responsibility” instead of “We act and live as we please”; you can refer to the sources.
Clinical support: Especially in individuals with impulse control disorder, the “need for exhibition” can be channeled into healthier directions through psychotherapy and rehabilitation programs.
Perception of impunity: From a prevention perspective, self-exhibitionism fetishism makes violence more visible, more attractive, and more repeatable in ‘violence-prone individuals.’ Individuals prone to violence should be severely punished or treated. A person with a criminal record wandering the streets with a perception of impunity is a significant risk. All these factors increase both individual and societal risk.”
Young People Should Be Protected from Self-Exhibitionism Fetishism
Prof. Dr. Tarhan stated that self-exhibitionism fetishism alone does not constitute a criminal tendency, adding, “However, these individuals are often candidates for clinical cases and themselves suffer from anxiety and depression, unable to find happiness. On the other hand, when the personality structure of individuals prone to violence and crime, impulse control problems, media support, and the social environment combine, they create a facilitating ground for turning to crime. Therefore, individuals who commit and normalize crime and violence should be severely punished and restricted, but awareness, protection, and prevention efforts should also be made for individuals in risk groups, such as young people.”
“Self-Exhibitionism Fetishism Alone Does Not Determine Violent Tendencies”
Evaluating from a clinical criminological perspective, Prof. Dr. Tarhan concludes, “Although large-sample neuroimaging studies specifically on exhibitionism are few, existing data show that exhibition behavior can be reinforced along the axis of the brain's executive functions (PFC), reward sensitivity (ventral striatum), and dopaminergic mechanisms. Self-exhibitionism fetishism alone does not determine violent tendencies. However, when reward seeking, weak executive control, and narcissistic traits combine, a strong framework for increased risk emerges and supports violence.”