So far, gun violence has killed nearly 11,600 people in the United States in 2024, sparking new debate on the issue. Experts say most mass murderers are not mentally ill. This is despite politicians often attributing the shooting to mental health problems. Two teachers and students were killed, and several others were injured in the recent mass school shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia.
Growing Epidemic
Shooting incidents in the United States are considered an increasing epidemic. With at least 184 incidents recorded in 2023 alone, violence continues. leaving a trail of death and injury. In 2022, there were 647 mass shootings, resulting in 859 deaths. In 2021, there were 693 mass shootings, resulting in 920 deaths. Since 2015, there have been More than 19,000 people have been victims of the shooting. In an attempt to understand the senseless and senseless nature of these crimes. The public and media often question the motives behind these attacks. Psychologists studying violence and extremism recognize the need for closure and comprehension in the face of such shocking and inexplicable acts of violence.
But what would constitute a satisfactory answer to the public’s question?
Media reports often focus on shooters' motives, such as insults or rejections, based on their manifestos or social media posts. These details may shed light on individual thinking but fail to address the bigger picture underlying the rise in mass shootings. Each shooter's story is unique, but there is a broader trend at play that goes beyond personal grievances. A satisfactory answer to the public's questions requires looking beyond specific details to understand the larger societal factors at play.
Quest for Significance
The drive behind mass shootings is the universal need for significance, the feeling that one's life matters. Loss of significance or gaining recognition can trigger this need. Studies show that perceived failure can increase viewing guns as empowering and readiness to use them. Most mass shooters seek fame or attention to fulfill this need. However, not everyone pursues mass shootings due to two main factors. One, extreme significance craving is necessary to commit such heinous acts, risking self-sacrifice and death. Second, mental illness is prevalent among mass shooters, inducing feelings of disempowerment and insignificance. Even those without known pathologies may experience extreme significance issues, leading to a focus on achieving significance through violence.
Ultimately, the quest for significance, combined with perceived humiliation or exclusion, can drive individuals toward mass shootings. However, not everyone who desires significance will resort to such extreme measures.
Shortcut to stardom
Highly motivated individuals often channel their extremism into socially accepted areas like business, sports, arts, science, or politics. However, some choose infamy through heinous acts like massacres to quickly gain significance. Achieving success through a respectable career is difficult and time-consuming, relying on unique abilities, determination, and privilege. This contrast explains why some opt for instant recognition through violence.
Committing a mass shooting represents a widely available shortcut to “stardom.”
America currently has over 390 million guns, with many states lacking background check requirements. This allows people to easily buy assault weapons, leading to an increase in mass shootings. The perception that committing a mass shooting leads to fame continues to spread with each incident.
Killings celebrated
In today's society, mass shooters are often celebrated by admirers on social media, leading to a dangerous trend where violence is seen as a path to significance. This is driven by the Three Ns: the shooter's need for notoriety, the narrative that glorifies violence, and the network of supporters that encourage such behavior. To combat this epidemic, it is crucial to dismantle the narrative that violence leads to fame and reduces access to weapons, as well as decrease media attention given to shooters. Furthermore, offering alternative paths to significance through different narratives is essential. Society must work together to address this issue by understanding the psychology behind it and taking effective steps to prevent future tragedies.
