Examining the Effect of Internet Addiction on Digital Pirating Behaviors of Juveniles

• In Event: Assessing the Prevalence and Incidence of Cyber Crime

Abstract

The rapid advancement of technology has resulted in substantial benefits for society, such as new outlets and venues for individuals to express themselves and share information. However, a negative consequence of this rapid advancement is the development of innovative methods to find, copy, and use intellectual property without providing payment (i.e. digital piracy). While multiple studies have utilized criminological theories to predict pirating of materials, this study will contribute to a substantial gap in the literature through the exploration of the effect of Internet addiction to the behavior. Data from survey responses from high school students in a rural North Carolina county will be used to determine predictors of digital piracy in juveniles, especially considering the effect of Internet addiction and deviant peer association.

Authors

• Jordana N. Navarro, Tennessee Technological University

• Catherine D. Marcum, Appalachian State University

• George E. Higgins, University of Louisville