On Living in a Traumatized Society: Narcissism, Toxic Relationships, and Other Forms of Violence.

The lecture, “On Living in a Traumatized Society,” will cover the current state of research on physical, psychological and emotional violence, and its links to traumatic experiences in childhood.

A central aspect of the presentation is the role of childhood experiences in the development of violence. Research shows that people who experienced violence in childhood are at higher risk of becoming violent themselves or being trapped in toxic relationships. The traumatic experiences affect the development of self-image, lead to emotional dysregulation, and impair the ability to form healthy relationships.

In addition, the relationship between narcissism and violence is addressed. Narcissistic personality traits can be reinforced by traumatic childhood experiences. Narcissistic individuals tend to dominate, manipulate, and abuse others in order to maintain their fragile sense of self-worth. As a result, they may foster a culture of violence in society.

The term “traumatized society” is introduced, pointing to the idea that traumatic experiences have an impact not only individually, but also collectively. In a society where violence is pervasive, traumatic experiences can occur at multiple levels and be passed down through generations, whether in families, schools, communities, or at the state level.

The presentation concludes with an appeal for the prevention of violence and the promotion of healthy relationships. It emphasizes the importance of offering support and therapeutic interventions to traumatized people, including and especially to perpetrators, in order to break the vicious cycle of violence. What can we as hackers do in our communities to promote a culture of non-violence and defend our values, while remaining open to all creatures? From a trauma perspective, what is important to consider in conflict resolution and mediation of code of conduct violations?

Overall, the presentation provides insight into the complex relationships between violence, traumatic childhood experiences, and narcissistic behavior. It raises awareness of the importance of prevention and intervention to strengthen a society where violence and toxic relationships are not dominant factors, but instead create space for healing and healthy interactions.