The psychologist spoke about the formation of a digital subculture among underage thieves

Shoplifting among teenagers, known as shoplifting, has existed for a long time, but today this phenomenon has taken shape in a dangerous digital subculture, says psychologist Elena Zamyshevskaya, an expert on adolescent deviant behavior.

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According to the expert, previously such thefts were mainly carried out by small groups of teenagers from disadvantaged families. For them, it was a way to get adrenaline, food, or extra money —stolen goods, such as cigarettes or groceries, were sometimes resold.

However, now, Zamyshevskaya notes, the situation has changed. Thanks to the Internet, shoplifting has become a kind of subculture that is actively promoted in the digital environment.

"Modern digitalization allows teenagers to join communities through chat rooms and blogs. Guys from different cities join there, share their experiences, photos with "trophies", and organize competitions to see who steals the most," the psychologist explained.

The expert warns that such associations pose a serious threat. Adolescents involved in these groups become more vulnerable to falling into other destructive currents.

"What used to be just a physical offense is now actively moving into the digital sphere with the help of chats, bots and other online tools," the Izvestia interlocutor emphasized.

According to the psychologist, the danger of such communities cannot be underestimated — they not only encourage illegal behavior, but also create an environment for further criminalization of young people.

Read more in the Izvestia article:

Culture in the shop: who provokes teenagers to shoplifting

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