Preventing 764 Exploitation: Key Orange Flags for Parents and Educators
How the 764 Cybernetwork Is Targeting Young People
Last week, we published an introduction regarding the 764 cybernetwork that’s targeting online youth in dangerous ways. Briefly, 764 refers to a loosely connected online organization that exploits children as part of a broader plan to eradicate society. 764 culture blends elements of white supremacy, satanism, sexual coercion, and self-mutilation. The organization’s exploits have made it an increasing law enforcement target.
After last’s week 764 publishing, I was asked about potential signs that a youth is either being victimized or victimizing others via 764 culture. In response, I have outlined some possible signs that a youth is interacting with this dangerous, online world. However, before we review such information, it is important to highlight the complexities of adolescence behavior and the importance of not exaggerating any one behavior.
Things to look out for
1. Body-hiding attire
2. Sudden interest in the occult
3. Poor hygiene
4. Excessive bedroom time
Importantly, adolescent development encompasses a dynamic period with significant changes occurring between the ages of 11 and 20. During this time, youth show greater impulsivity, selfishness, and investment in their peers. They also lack perspective and are susceptible to greater emotional volatility. As a result of this dynamic maturation, a teenager’s behavior, feelings, thoughts, and appearance can swing dramatically without it being considered problematic, pathological, or abnormal.
Also, it is important to note that human behavior is incredibly complex and generally reflects various of factors. That is, despite our preference for simple, linear causal relationships, that is not how the human brain and behavior function. Consequently, evidence of any concerning behavior should be weighed cautiously alongside other information before raising alarm.
With these considerations, we have rendered a list of potential orange flags that may suggest 764 interaction. The use “orange flag” is deliberate and reflects a less severe situation than a “red flag” issue. The former warrants some attention and moderate concern whereas the latter triggers immediate intervention. Consequently, “orange flag” behaviors and signs below should be treated with curiosity and greater information gathering as opposed to an emergency. Readers will quickly realize the difficulty discerning between common and concerning adolescent behavior.
Pay attention to clothing
Early in training, mental health clinicians learn to evaluate one’s dress. For instance, it is common for psychotic individuals to disrobe outside in the winter or wear heavy layers in the summer. Their choice of clothing provides insight about their judgment and connection to reality. When discussing possible 764 association, concerned parties should be cognizant of efforts by a youth to hide their entire body. Now, we are not suggesting that parents or caregivers conduct strip searches but instead recognize whether the child is wearing seasonally inappropriate attire. For example, on a particularly hot day, is the youth wearing long sleeves, pants, and a hoodie? While it’s possible the teenager is simply experimenting with their style, such attire may also represent an attempt to hide scars from cutting and self-mutilation. That is, 764 perpetrators will sometimes order subjects to cut or hurt themselves. Common cutting locations include the wrists, forearms, and thighs. From this perspective, one may grow concerned when a teenager with no known body issues refuses to join his or her friends in the pool. Other clothing styles to be aware of include adopting a military form of dress. Many perpetrators of mass violence were known to wear tactical apparel before or during a school and workplace attacks. 764 perpetrators have encouraged such attacks, so a youth suddenly adorning such garb may be moving along a dangerous trajectory.
Sudden interest in the occult
It is common for youths undergoing psychosocial maturation to swap existing beliefs endorsed by their parents for novel or radical ideas. This challenging of ideas can happen within the spiritual realm as well. However, caregivers and educators may want to scrutinize more when youth began endorsing imagery associated with Devilcore, which includes satanic and occult elements co-opted by 764. According to scholars, such imagery may include black wings, horns, the devil, and bones. Again, we don’t want to trigger another satanic panic over some kid who recently fell in love with goth music, but if a youth endorses such things, a concerned caregiver would be right to inquire about it more.
Poor hygiene
It is common for youths undergoing psychosocial maturation to swap existing beliefs endorsed by their parents for novel or radical ideas. This challenging of ideas can happen within the spiritual realm as well. However, caregivers and educators may want to scrutinize more when youth began endorsing imagery associated with Devilcore, which includes satanic and occult elements co-opted by 764. According to scholars, such imagery may include black wings, horns, the devil, and bones. Again, we don’t want to trigger another satanic panic over some kid who recently fell in love with goth music, but if a youth endorses such things, a concerned caregiver would be right to inquire about it more.
Excessive time in their bedroom
This orange flag only really applies if the youth has internet access in their bedroom. In general, most teens congregate in their room with the door closed. However, extended periods of unstructured time truly is the devil’s workshop, according to the scientific literature. Consequently, youths may be spending copious amounts of time online, increasing their risk of encountering bad actors. Caregivers can partially counter such threats by preventing youth from having internet access in their bedrooms or requiring them to keep the door open.
Approaching teen behavior with caution and awareness
Again, the above “orange flags” are offered cautiously and are not proof positive of dangerous circumstances. They are simply offered to help caregivers think critically about their children’s behavior. Such information is not a substitute for fostering working communication with a youth or a means of avoiding tough, but necessary, life conversations about technology, relationships, and sexuality.
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