These were not teenagers posting photos on social media – psychologists say teens have a developmentally appropriate level of egocentrism – but rather adults motivated by the misguided notion that what they are doing is an act of heroism or bravery.
“They re proud of it. They post about it because this is something that they want the world to see, said Alexandra Stratyner, Ph.D., a psychologist who practices in Manhattan. In fact, they re domestic terrorists, but they believe that what they re doing is a valiant, brave act.”
“Speaking from principles of cognitive psychology, this (mentality) has been reinforced by the messages of the president, she added. They believe that what they re doing is what their leader wants them to do.”