Psychiatrist Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, who has studied in depth the psychological, sociological, criminological, and cultural dimensions of the widespread digital-age phenomenon of self-exhibition behavior when it reaches the level of fetishism, emphasized that self-exhibition does not directly mean a tendency toward crime.
Prof. Tarhan stated: “When the personality structure of individuals prone to violence and crime, their impulse control problems, media support, and the social environment come together, they form a fertile ground that facilitates criminal tendencies. For at-risk groups such as young people, awareness, protection, and preventive measures must also be implemented.”
From a clinical criminological perspective, he explained: “Self-exhibition fetishism does not in itself determine a tendency toward violence. However, when reward-seeking, weak executive control, and narcissistic traits converge, a strong framework emerges for increased risk, and this supports violence.”
President of Üsküdar University and a psychiatrist Prof. Nevzat Tarhan examined in detail how self-exhibition, a phenomenon that has become an everyday practice in the digital age, can develop into fetishism and its broader implications.
“Self-exhibition has become an everyday practice for many in the digital age”
Prof. Tarhan noted that self-exhibitionism, especially with the rise of social media, has become an everyday practice for many: “However, when this behavior reaches the level of fetishism, that is, when a person becomes obsessed with exhibiting their body, life, or image, it becomes an issue 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 sense of self-worth, it may turn into a kind of fetishism or psychological addiction. Today, crime is increasingly being normalized, even aestheticized, in the name of being ‘trendy,’ and clinical cases are emerging because of it. That is why I wanted to draw attention to this issue. While ensuring that predatory antisocial individuals (psychopaths) are punished in the severest way, we must also warn younger generations not to become their targets.”
What is self-exhibition?
Prof. Tarhan explained that self-exhibition is essentially a form of self-presentation, an effort to increase one’s visibility in order to be liked, approved, or noticed by others. He elaborated:
“This is not limited to the physical body but also includes lifestyle, ways of thinking, and achievements. Here, fetishism should not be understood in the classic sexual sense of idolization, but rather as the attribution of excessive meaning to a behavior or object, making it a source of pleasure. In such cases, the person turns attracting attention, gaining approval, and being visible into a form of dependency, constantly reshaping themselves for the external gaze. For example: continuously sharing photos, mood swings depending on views and likes, or feeling incomplete if one does not post a story. These dynamics start to dictate everyday life.”
“When the need to show oneself turns into a ‘likes’ and ‘followers’ addiction, it becomes fetishized”
Prof. Tarhan underlined that the desire to show oneself and to be accepted is natural: “Social psychology associates this need with belonging, approval, and recognition. However, when this need turns into constant exhibitionism, when it becomes an addiction to likes and followers, and when self-esteem is tied solely to external validation, it becomes fetishized; in other words, the means, self-exhibition, becomes the end. The frequency of sharing turns into fetish objects carrying the person’s sense of self-worth. Thus, the individual begins to construct themselves as an object to be watched. Several factors may lie behind this behavior: narcissistic tendencies, that is, the need to always see oneself at the center; low self-esteem: feeling valuable only through approval and admiration; digital approval loop: Like = dopamine, as the brain’s reward system adapts; a sense of emptiness and identity quest: weak self-perception and an effort to build identity through social approval.”
From a psychoanalytic perspective, Prof. Tarhan added: “Fetishism, in psychoanalysis, is the act of compensating for a sense of deficiency by fixating on an object. Here, the object becomes the person themself or their visibility.”
“In digital culture, self-exhibition has turned into a kind of performance economy”
Explaining that in digital culture self-exhibition has turned into a kind of performance economy, Prof. Nevzat Tarhan continued his remarks as follows:
“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?’ The person begins to constantly arrange themselves like a showcase. Society also supports this fetishism: algorithms that say, ‘Show yourself!’; the influencer culture: if you are visible, you exist; the consumer society: image is sold and marketed. In this environment, self-exhibition is no longer merely personal satisfaction but becomes social capital. Data such as the number of followers and the rate of likes can serve as status indicators.”
When does it become a problem?
Prof. Tarhan explained when self-exhibition becomes problematic with the following points:
a) When digital visibility starts to replace real-life connections
b) When lack of approval leads to anxiety, depression, or feelings of worthlessness
c) When authenticity is lost and artificial content is produced solely to attract attention
d) When the person acts constantly under the drive of being watched
e) When loneliness and moral dimensions are affected, constant self-exhibition undermines inner authenticity and the sense of privacy. If the bodily image and social media profile distort the balance between a person’s “essence” and “visible face,” and life is lived through a constant “external gaze” instead of inward reflection, it can lead to spiritual dissatisfaction and deep loneliness. “If we do not ask ourselves these questions, we enter the spiral of fetishism:
- Why am I making this post?
- How would I feel if it did not get likes?
- Does my sense of true self weaken when I am not visible?”
What is the criminological dimension?
Prof. Tarhan stated that in criminology literature, the excessive dimension of self-exhibition can evolve into ostentatious crimes (such as sharing car racing videos), digital crimes (hacking, doxing), and exhibitionism in sexual offenses. He explained: “How does ‘self-exhibition fetishism’ affect individuals with violent tendencies 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 take on a role that triggers or legitimizes these tendencies. Can people with self-exhibition fetishism be prone to crime, and what are the risk factors? Self-exhibition in itself is not directly linked to crime. Many people enjoy being visible on social media; this does not directly drive them to commit crime. However, when the matter is ‘exhibition at a fetishistic level,’ certain psychological dynamics may lay the groundwork for risky tendencies.”
People with “self-exhibition fetishism” can be prone to crime
Stating that individuals with self-exhibition fetishism may be prone to crime, Prof. Tarhan listed the potential risk factors and criminal tendencies as follows:
a) Narcissistic personality disorder
Excessive self-exhibition may be a sign of narcissistic tendencies. Narcissistic individuals may be intolerant of criticism, lack empathy, and be prone to breaking rules for their own benefit. This can indirectly create a basis for crimes such as manipulation, fraud, damage to reputation, and violation of privacy.
b) Borderline personality traits
Individuals whose mood states change rapidly and who experience a sense of emptiness may engage in self-harming or other-harming behaviors in order to attract attention.
c) Digital antisocial individuals (Psychopaths)
Digital platforms provide a very convenient environment for crime-prone individuals. Predatory antisocial individuals feed on crime and violence; these must be punished in the heaviest way. At the same time, it is important to warn younger generations, so they do not become their targets. They may show tendencies toward cybercrimes such as sharing false information for likes or attention, spreading slander, or leaking private information. Behaviors such as deepfake creation, fake identity use, and digital blackmail, when combined with the obsession of “being visible,” turn into risk factors for criminal propensity.
d) Sexual exhibitionism and boundary violation
If this exhibition takes the form of sexual content and the individual exposes others to it without their consent, behaviors such as exhibitionism can fall within the scope of criminal offenses.
e) Psychological addiction and loss of behavioral control
A person addicted to constant self-exhibition may display extreme behaviors just to attract attention: self-harm, inappropriate actions in public places, threats, etc.
f) Social impact and the aestheticization of crime
In some social media “influencers,” illegal acts carried out to attract attention are turned into “content,” which normalizes this process.
Examples: Dangerous driving videos, damaging public property, violating others’ privacy, creating fake crises for followers (e.g., staged kidnapping incidents). Such behaviors can lead to the aestheticization of crime “for the sake of trending.”
When does criminal propensity begin?
Prof. Tarhan explained when the propensity for crime begins: “While sharing one’s own photos does not in itself pose a risk, when sharing becomes obsessive it may carry psychological risks and indirectly foster a tendency toward crime. However, drawing attention through dangerous or immoral content, exhibitionist behavior that violates the rights of others, and especially resorting to crime solely to gain attention, are directly linked to criminal propensity and are considered among the serious risk factors.”
The need for attention in individuals with violent tendencies…
Prof. Tarhan emphasized that violence is not only an outburst of anger or a behavior to inflict harm, but is also connected to identity construction, the need for attention, and the desire for visibility. He classified the issue as follows:
a) The need for attention in individuals prone to violence
Some violent individuals experience narcissistic injury, feelings of humiliation, or fear of invisibility. For them, being visible becomes equivalent to “existing.” Self-exhibition turns into a form of power display, a tool of revenge, or even a means of identity presentation. Example: “Nobody notices me, but if I do this act, everyone will talk about me.”
The act of filming and disseminating violent behaviors
b) Digital violence and the desire for spectacle
In recent years, especially on social media: filming and sharing violent acts; broadcasting psychological or verbal assaults against others; abusing animals or humans with the desire to “go viral” have been observed.
c) Violent behaviors directly linked to self-exhibition fetishism
Crime is not only an act but becomes a performance. The presence of a camera can increase motivation for crime. Violence becomes a form of “taking the stage.” Theories by criminologists such as Jean Baudrillard and David Garland highlight that in modern crimes, violence does not merely serve the purpose of causing harm but also takes on communicative, symbolic, and aesthetic dimensions. Within this framework, violence becomes a message. The perpetrator expresses themselves, becomes visible, and demonstrates power. They commit crime to “prove their existence.” Violence becomes a mode of communication, a manifesto of identity.
d) Group dynamics and “crime for spectacle”
If violent individuals crave recognition or approval in front of an audience, they may escalate violent acts further. This is very common in gangs or social media groups. Violence turns into a ritual, a demonstration of achievement, or proof of belonging. By exhibiting themselves, the individual both declares “I am here” and gains identity through symbols of power, status, and fear.
e) “The dangerous threshold: visibility + violence + anomie”
If there is a value void/anomie in society (norms and rules are blurred), committing crime may become, for some individuals, a form of gaining attention, ego satisfaction, self-expression, revenge, or even a career path.
f) The link between self-exhibition and crime in youth
Self-exhibition, by itself, does not mean criminal propensity. Most people do it simply to gain approval, acceptance, and a sense of belonging. Especially among young people, this behavior is part of an identity search. Clinically, it is often seen as a temporary intensity that may be considered normal in “personality development.” However, during this period, they may become good prey for predatory antisocial individuals. For this reason, age-based access restrictions have been recommended in recent years.
Risk Factors
The critical point here is that self-exhibition is not, in itself, the cause of crime, but it can be a risk factor that lays the groundwork for criminal behavior. Especially when combined with personality disorders (e.g., narcissistic or antisocial personality), it can increase criminal potential. Early adolescence (ages 10–16) is particularly sensitive in identity and personality development.
Even among young people, the constant need for self-exhibition creates openness to risky behaviors…
Impulse Control Issues:
In young people, the constant need for self-exhibition can make them more dependent on instant gratification. This, in turn, creates susceptibility to risky behaviors.
Violation of Personal Boundaries:
When adolescents neglect the concept of privacy, the lack of shame and compassion—meaning the absence of empathy education—can lead both to the instrumentalization of themselves and to turning others into objects. In this way, they may become exploited targets.
Antisocial Tendencies:
If exhibitionist behavior in young people’s friendships is aimed at manipulation, deceiving others, or exploitation, it may produce antisocial personality patterns. This transforms them into potential offenders.
Addiction and the Relationship with Crime:
When social media addiction or exhibitionism becomes obsessive in adolescents’ friendships, the individual may resort to illegal, provocative, or aggressive acts simply “to be seen more.”
g) The Spectacle Dimension of Violence
For individuals prone to violence, “exhibition” can act as a motivational amplifier. They do not merely commit violent acts but take pleasure in turning them into performances. Fighting in front of a camera, recording assaults, or sharing them on social media transforms violence into a “display of identity.” In criminology, this is referred to as “performance crimes”: the act is carried out with the intention of being viewed and displayed.
h) The Reinforcing Cycle of Violence
Social media draws violence-prone individuals into a reinforcing cycle of self-exhibition: violent behavior is displayed, and “rewards” are received in the form of views, likes, or fear. The person escalates into more intense and risky behaviors. This process is explained in classical behavioral theory as “positive reinforcement.” Violence is fed by social approval.
The Identity and Power Perception Dimension of Violence
A violence-prone individual, through exhibition, portrays themselves as powerful and intimidating. They find the opportunity to declare “I exist” before an audience. They compensate for their lack of self-esteem through the visibility of violence. This becomes even more pronounced when combined with antisocial personality disorder and narcissistic tendencies.
Social Impact and the “Contagion” Dimension
Prof. Tarhan pointed out that in criminology literature, the exhibition of violence creates effects of imitation and contagion: “It does not matter whether violence is live or virtual. Young people can be influenced by such displays of violence and may attempt similar acts. Especially gangs, fan groups, and radical organizations present violence as a form of ‘heroic performance.’ In this way, violence becomes not only an individual act but also a collective display of identity.”
Principles Proposed for Solutions
Prof. Tarhan highlighted the following principles for the prevention of violence:
Principle of Developing Awareness: Frequently asking oneself the question: “Am I really doing this for myself, or just to be seen?”
Principle of Privacy: At both individual and societal levels, the value of “self-protection” must be reemphasized. One must learn from childhood to protect personal privacy and confidentiality. “Respecting the privacy, dignity, and sacred values of others” is also a behavior that must be taught.
Principle of Self-Respect: Deriving approval not from others, but from one’s own values and inner consistency.
Principle of Balance: Consciously maintaining the line between exhibition and sharing.
Principle of Media Control: Limiting the dissemination of violent images is an important criminological precaution.
Alternative Channels: It is important to encourage expressing the need for power and identity through nonviolent means (sports, art, social responsibility).
Principle of Education: Awareness of privacy (personal space), self-respect, and the ability to set boundaries must be instilled at an early age. For therapeutic education, when exhibitionist behavior reaches a pathological level, it must be redirected into healthier channels, particularly through psychotherapy.
Principle of Freedom and Responsibility Balance in Society: Media and social platforms must place limits on “crime-promoting exhibition.” For those who view the matter only from the lens of individual freedom, this is especially important. On a global scale, studies on domestic violence and violence against women recommend living not with the motto “We act and live however we want,” but rather “We live while observing the balance of freedom and responsibility.”
Clinical Support: Particularly in individuals with impulse-control disorders, psychotherapy and rehabilitation programs can channel the “need for exhibition” into healthier directions.
Perception of Impunity: From a prevention perspective, exhibitionism can make violence among “violence-prone individuals” more visible, more appealing, and more likely to be repeated. Those prone to violence must either be punished severely or treated. Allowing individuals with criminal records to wander the streets under the perception of impunity poses a major risk. All of this increases both individual and societal risk factors.
Young People Must Be Protected from Exhibitionism Fetishism
Prof. Tarhan emphasized that exhibitionism fetishism does not in itself create criminal tendencies: “However, such individuals are often candidates for clinical cases and are vulnerable to anxiety and depression, and they cannot truly be happy. On the other hand, when the personality structures of violence- and crime-prone individuals, problems of impulse control, media support, and the social environment come together, they create a fertile ground that facilitates the turn toward crime. Therefore, those who perpetrate and normalize crime and violence must be punished and restricted severely. At the same time, awareness, protection, and preventive efforts must be directed particularly toward young people and other at-risk groups.”
“Exhibitionism Fetishism Alone Does Not Determine Violent Tendencies”
From a clinical criminological perspective, Prof. Tarhan concluded his remarks as follows: “Although large-sample neuroimaging studies specifically on exhibitionism are scarce, the existing data indicate that exhibitionist behavior can be reinforced along the axes of the brain’s executive functions (PFC), reward sensitivity (ventral striatum), and dopaminergic mechanisms. Exhibitionism fetishism alone does not determine violent tendencies. However, when reward-seeking, weak executive control, and narcissistic traits come together, they form a strong framework for increased risk and reinforce violence.”