Social media users, primarily young women, are expressing admiration for Luigi Mangione, the suspect accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan on Dec. 4 in what authorities described as a premeditated attack. Mangione allegedly conducted the execution as a way to provoke national debates and demonstrate his cavalier attitude towards humanity. Charged with first-degree murder in furtherance of an act of terrorism, stalking, and other charges in both New York and Pennsylvania, Mangione allegedly shot Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel. Since his arrest, social media has erupted with positive posts about Mangione, with videos on TikTok showing his extradition to New York generating millions of views.
Experts in psychology and social media have weighed in on the public’s obsession with Mangione. They cite various reasons such as his perceived normalcy, the mystery surrounding his actions, and the chance for people to express their dissatisfaction with the health insurance system. Additionally, Mangione’s attractiveness may be contributing to the public’s positive reaction to him, as society tends to judge less attractive individuals more harshly in criminal cases. There is also a fascination with the “bad boy” persona and an anti-establishment sentiment that has contributed to the glorification of Mangione on social media.
The public’s infatuation with Mangione can be seen as a manifestation of mental health struggles and frustrations with the broken mental health care system in the U.S. Many individuals may be turning to sensationalized stories and groupthink as a way to cope with their feelings of frustration and curiosity, amid a lack of access to adequate mental health care. While officials have not commented on an official motive for Mangione’s actions, speculation from the public suggests that he may have had strong grievances with the health care insurance industry.
Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old originally from Maryland, has lived in California and Hawaii. He graduated as valedictorian from the Gilman School in Baltimore and went on to receive his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer science from the University of Pennsylvania. Mangione’s case has sparked a modern-day anti-establishment protest, with many viewing him as a symbol of going against “the man” and acting on resentments towards major health care companies and other large establishments. His case has generated fascination and admiration among social media users, drawing attention to broader societal issues.
The glorification of Mangione on social media reflects a broader trend of public obsession with scandalous or controversial figures. The sensational story surrounding Mangione has generated engagement and excitement on social media platforms, leading to a sense of groupthink and a rapid spread of opinions and attitudes. The halo effect, where impressions of a person are based on a single trait, may be amplifying the public’s reaction to Mangione, as his physical appearance contributes to the romanticization of his actions. The public’s fascination with the “bad boy” image and true crime genre has further contributed to the intrigue surrounding Mangione’s case.
The case of Luigi Mangione serves as a lens through which to examine societal attitudes towards crime, mental health, and the health care insurance industry. The public’s obsession with Mangione reflects deeper-rooted issues within society, including frustrations with the mental health care system, anti-establishment sentiment, and a fascination with scandalous figures. As the case continues to unfold, it raises questions about the impact of social media on public perception, as well as the broader implications of glorifying individuals involved in criminal acts.
