Why 'Internet Gangsters' Keep Appearing Despite Arrests

Following in the footsteps of notorious figures like "Khá "Bảnh", "Phú Lê", and "Quang "Rambo", who have previously faced legal consequences, new individuals such as "Khánh Sky", "Hồ Văn Khoa", and "Vua Quạt" have recently been prosecuted in Vietnam. These individuals leverage social media platforms to amplify their influence through provocative and sensationalized content. "Khánh Sky" was reportedly quoted saying, "At worst, I'll go to jail, why should I be afraid?" during his arrest. He admitted to police that escalating online arguments led to more views and followers, thus incentivizing further live streams and provocative speech. This led to his investigation for two charges: disturbing public order and abusing democratic freedoms to infringe upon the rights and interests of the State, organizations, and individuals. Khoa faces charges of disturbing public order, while Vua Quạt is accused of abusing democratic freedoms. These incidents are not isolated. Despite previous arrests and convictions of similar figures, new "internet gangsters" continue to emerge, choosing the path of notoriety through online provocation. Experts suggest this phenomenon is fueled by social media's ability to provide a rapid route to fame, where attention translates directly into followers, views, influence, and economic gain. From a criminal psychology perspective, the "internet gangster" phenomenon is influenced by a confluence of the online environment, individual psychology, and the need for self-affirmation. When sensational or controversial content garners significant engagement (likes, comments, shares), creators are motivated to push boundaries to maintain attention, creating a feedback loop of increasingly extreme behavior. Furthermore, the success of prominent "internet gangsters" can foster a sense of imitation among others, who believe they can achieve similar fame. Uncritical praise from a segment of the audience can also inadvertently encourage deviant behavior. The actions of these "internet gangsters" often extend beyond online disputes, escalating into real-world confrontations. Past cases have seen online conflicts spill over into violent incidents, including shootings. For individuals who consistently portray a "gangster" persona, this image can become deeply ingrained, leading to a psychological need to prove their online bravado in reality. Legally, the term "internet gangster" lacks a specific definition. Merely adopting a nickname, displaying tattoos, dressing aggressively, or cultivating a "gangster" image does not automatically constitute a legal offense. However, engaging in acts such as defamation, insult, threat, or incitement to violence can lead to legal responsibility. Social media is not a legal "gray area"; actions that transcend personal expression and infringe upon the rights and interests of others or social order are subject to legal prosecution. Information Source: VnExpress