Application of Routine Activity Theory to Cybercrime Victimization among College Students

• In Event: Applications of Routine Activity Theory to Cybercrime and Terrorism

Abstract

Use of computers and the Internet has become an essential part of college education, and college students are thus at high risk of cybercrime victimization. In particular, they are engaged in various activities in cyberspace: researching data, shopping, recreation, and socializing with others. All activities are possible in the virtual world beyond temporal and special limits. The nature of cybercrime is different from that of conventional crimes, it is deemed the nature, perception, and fear of cybercrime victimization would be different from those of street crimes.
It is assumed that the frequent use of the Internet increased individual’s exposure to online perpetrators, enhancing the likelihood of online victimization. Types of online activities would also affects cybercrime victimization. The goal of this study is to apply routine activities theory to examine experiences of cybercrime victimization with the sample of college students. Variables of routines activities theory would be redefined to meet the nature of cybercrime victimization. Therefore, this research seeks to contribute to the literature by expanding applicability of routine activities theory to cybercrime victimization, examining the extent of cybercrime victimization among college students, and finding the correlation among use of the Internet, types of online activities, and victimization.

Authors

• Hyesun Kim, Worcester State University

• Stephen Morreale, Worcester State University

• Robert Brooks, Worcester State University