Social Media, Identity, and Violence — Dr. Sid Khurana Weighs In on NBC News 3
A deadly shooting on the Las Vegas Strip involving two YouTube content creators has brought renewed focus on the influence of social media in real-world violence. In an NBC News 3 segment, Dr. Sid Khurana, a board-certified psychiatrist at Nevada Mental Health, provided crucial insight into how online behavior can spiral into dangerous consequences.
The altercation, which played out near the Bellagio Fountains and was partially captured during a livestream, stemmed from an online feud between internet personalities. Dr. Khurana pointed to “problematic internet use,” or internet addiction, as a potential contributing factor. He explained that some individuals form their identity around their online presence, measuring self-worth through likes and views rather than interpersonal relationships.
“There used to be more of a societal filter that protected against certain behaviors,” said Dr. Khurana. “That filter is disappearing in today’s online world, where interactions lack the emotional cues that come from face-to-face communication.”
Dr. Khurana also introduced the concept of “cyberbanging,” where provocation and retaliation between individuals or groups occur entirely online, sometimes escalating into physical violence. He emphasized that these dynamics are further fueled by public engagement—likes, shares, and comments—that reward conflict and intensify tensions. Dr. Khurana has also discussed how “sharenting” can have similar effects.
While we can’t remove social media from our lives, Dr. Khurana stressed the importance of creating boundaries and maintaining awareness of its psychological effects. There are plenty of stressors for children today, including school, and it’s important to stay on top of the ever-changing landscape. His expertise serves as a valuable reminder that mental health plays a key role in how we navigate the digital age.
Watch the NBC News 3 Segment Featuring Dr. Khurana:
Due to age restrictions on the video, it must be viewed directly on YouTube.
