The rapid development of social media has made viral content an integral part of Generation Z's daily life, with the potential to influence attitudes and behavior. Various forms of viral content, including flexing, dangerous pranks, violence, cyberbullying, and the glorification of criminal offenders, may function as criminogenic factors that encourage deviant behavior. This study aims to analyze viral social media content from a criminological perspective as a criminogenic factor affecting Generation Z. The research employs a normative juridical method with a descriptive-analytical approach. Data were collected through library research involving legislation, legal literature, books, and scientific journals, and analyzed qualitatively using statutory and conceptual approaches. The findings indicate that viral content may become a modern criminogenic factor through social learning, behavioral imitation, the formation of digital subcultures, normalization of deviance, and weakened moral control. The analysis based on Differential Association Theory, Social Learning Theory, Cultural Deviance Theory, Moral Disengagement Theory, and Cyber Criminology demonstrates that continuous exposure to viral content can influence the behavior of Generation Z. Therefore, strengthening digital literacy, legal education, and digital governance is essential to reduce the criminogenic impact of social media.
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