Graphic by Maya Uribe
By Dennise Arriaza
Every so often Netflix releases a series that grabs the attention of viewers. Oftentimes these series are discussed based on their controversies, or topics that were displayed in the series. The most recent series being talked about now topping number one on Netflix in the United States is “Adolescence” a series with four episodes all filmed in one shot. The plot of the series is based on the murder of a young girl and the young boy that is arrested on suspicion of her murder.
Many people enjoy true crime series and find the mystery of who did it to be exciting, but this series is far from a mystery crime series. This series takes a unique shift in directly showing us that Jamie Miller, a young 13-year-old boy, is guilty of the murder of Katie Leonard. It might seem less exciting to know who did the crime, but the show shines the attention towards figuring out why this crime was done and how a young boy would be able to commit something so sinister.
Although this series is fictional, it clearly establishes the fact that similar events happen in our world today and can happen at any point in time. The series has the detectives explore more about Miller, going into deeper exploration of his social media presence, the pictures he posts, comments, his likes and dislikes. One would think this child’s Instagram account should not matter, anyone can have an Instagram account these days. The discoveries the detectives make give us a clue into how Miller views women and men, which ties back into the reason for his crime. The exploration of many topics about Instagram and the internet overall are crucial to understanding the message and point of this show. Too much access to anything can be a bad thing, but how are social media apps guilty of brainwashing people? Is it even fair to blame the internet for crimes happening in our society? More importantly though, why should we care about a fictional series? Could this be a wake up call for society and for us to protect the youth in our society?
Youth today are born into a world where all this access to information is given to them. With social media influencers like Andrew Tate, an American and British social media personality, who expresses ideas such as, “The key to understanding women is to realize they’re driven by emotions, not logic.” Women are being seen as less than and young boys are being taught they are superior to them. Insecurity is impacting these young men. Episode three features Miller talking with Briony Ariston, a child psychologist, who is evaluating Tate for more insight on him and his views. Miller expresses manipulative and overpowering actions against the psychologist who happens to be a woman. Towards the end of the episode, Miller asks Ariston, “Do you like me?” to which she gives no direct response, but this question highlights Miller’s need for validation.
People being insecure and needing validation expresses how young men are being taught that only certain men will be able to attract certain women. This ideology limits men to their own confidence and thoughts of viewing women as people and not objects. The dangers of this will lead to more crime against women and more men with the negative views of women, which can lead to more domestic violence rates.
