Cybercrime, Section 11.1: Criminological Theories

Summary

This video delves into criminological theory and its application to cybercrimes, offering a quick yet insightful overview of various theories. The discussion covers subcultures, learning theory, general theory of crime, self-control, victimization, and strain theory, examining how these concepts can help explain cybercrime behaviors. It emphasizes how cybercrime subcultures like digital piracy and hacking operate and highlights how theories like learning theory and general strain theory are used to understand both offenders and victims of cybercrime. The video aims to provide a foundational understanding of criminological theories as they relate to the digital age.

Takeaways

• 😀 Subcultures on the internet can foster criminal behavior, such as digital piracy, child exploitation, and hacking, each with its own distinct culture and norms.
• 😀 Learning theory, proposed by Sutherland and expanded by Akers, suggests that crime is learned through association with others who engage in criminal activities.
• 😀 Four key components of learning theory include differential association, definitions, differential reinforcement, and imitation, which help individuals adopt deviant behaviors.
• 😀 Research has shown a statistically significant correlation between associating with criminals and engaging in similar criminal behaviors, such as digital piracy.
• 😀 The general theory of crime, proposed by Hirschi and Gottfredson, argues that individuals with low self-control are more likely to commit crimes, including cybercrimes.
• 😀 While self-control is an essential factor in general crime, it applies differently to cybercrimes, with simple crimes like cyberbullying being linked to low self-control, while more complex crimes like hacking are harder to explain with this theory alone.
• 😀 Low self-control is not only linked to offending but also increases the risk of becoming a victim of cybercrime, as individuals with low self-control are more likely to engage in risky online behaviors.
• 😀 People with low self-control may fall for online scams, engage in impulsive risky actions, and turn off antivirus software, leaving themselves vulnerable to cyberattacks.
• 😀 General strain theory, introduced by Merton and expanded by Agnew, suggests that crime results from an individual's adaptation to strain, including failure to achieve goals, loss of positive stimuli, or presence of negative stimuli.
• 😀 Strain theory has been applied to cyberbullying, where failure to achieve personal goals, loss of positive stimuli, or the presence of negative stimuli can contribute to both bullying and victimization in online settings.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script?

The video script primarily focuses on criminological theories and how they apply to cybercrimes. The presenter discusses several criminological theories such as learning theory, general theory of crime, and general strain theory, exploring their relevance to cybercrime.

What is a subculture in criminological theory?

In criminological theory, a subculture refers to a group within a larger culture that has its own distinct values, norms, traditions, and behaviors. For example, digital piracy or hacking forms its own subculture on the internet, where members share common beliefs and engage in certain illicit activities.

How does learning theory explain criminal behavior?

Learning theory, initially proposed by Sutherland and later expanded by Akers, suggests that crime is learned through interaction with others. Individuals who spend time with people committing crimes learn not only the techniques but also the values that normalize criminal behavior.

What are the four components of Akers' learning theory?

Akers' learning theory involves four key components: differential association (learning from peers), definitions (instilling the belief that crime is normal), differential reinforcement (rewards for criminal behavior), and imitation (copying the behavior of others).

How does learning theory apply to cybercrime?

Learning theory has been successfully applied to cybercrime, with research showing that individuals who associate with peers involved in digital piracy or other forms of cybercrime are more likely to engage in those activities themselves.

What is the general theory of crime and how does it relate to self-control?

The general theory of crime, developed by Hirschi and Gottfredson, argues that people are inherently deviant, and it is the presence of self-control that prevents most individuals from committing crimes. Those with low self-control are more likely to engage in criminal behavior, including cybercrime.

How can low self-control contribute to both cybercrime and victimization?

Low self-control can lead individuals to commit cybercrimes due to impulsivity and a desire for immediate gratification. It can also make them more susceptible to becoming victims of cybercrime, as they may take risks or ignore safety precautions, such as disabling antivirus software.

What is the general strain theory and how does it apply to cybercrime?

General strain theory, proposed by Merton and expanded by Agnew, suggests that crime results from the strain caused by the inability to achieve certain goals. This strain can lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, including cybercrimes, as a way to cope with frustration, loss, or negative stimuli.

What are the four factors that lead to crime according to Agnew's general strain theory?

Agnew's general strain theory identifies four factors that lead to crime: failure to achieve goals, removal of positive stimuli, presence of negative stimuli, and a lack of adequate coping mechanisms.

How does strain theory relate to cyberbullying?

Strain theory has been applied to cyberbullying, with findings suggesting that individuals who experience strain due to failure to achieve personal goals, loss, or negative experiences are more likely to engage in or be victims of cyberbullying. The same four factors from strain theory are predictive of both bullying and victimization.