CULTURES OF DESPERATION: EXPLORING GANGSTERISM AND CULTISM IN THE MODERN DIGITAL AGE

Abstract

The rise of gangsterism and cultism among youth in modern culture, particularly in Nigeria, stems from digitalization, globalization, and systemic inequality. As traditional institutions decline, many youths seek identity, survival, and purpose through deviant subcultures. Nigeria’s Yahoo Boys is an example of this, using cyber fraud to exploit global systems while flaunting illicit wealth online as proof of success despite economic barriers. Similarly, campus cults like the Eiye Confraternity merge ritualistic violence with social media propaganda, offering marginalized youth a sense of power and belonging. This modern trend is not unique to Nigeria alone. Brazilian Gen Z gangs glorify street violence on TikTok, while South Korean cybercults radicalize teens through gaming forums, highlighting how digital spaces amplify rebellion worldwide. Social media plays a double role empowering and endangering. Platforms like Instagram and Telegram turn peer pressure into viral radicalization, making deviance an aesthetically pleasing commodity. Addressing these issues requires hybrid solutions such as algorithmic monitoring that could flag cult recruitment, while grassroots initiatives like coding bootcamps led by ex-gang members offer alternative paths. Economic empowerment via microloans or blockchain-based gig work- could redirect digital skills toward legitimate opportunities. Most importantly, interventions must engage youth as active partners, not passive beneficiaries, recognizing their agency especially in a society that often overlooks their worth. Gangsterism and cultism are not just moral failings but signs of broken systems- true change lies in bridging physical and digital inequalities to transform rebellion into renewal.