How Long Can You Delay Gratification? Using Self-Control to Explain Online and Offline Drug Purchase Modes among Danish Students Aged 12-25 Years Old

• In Event: Buying Drugs and Alcohol

Abstract

During the last decade, drug markets have moved from low technology, face-to-face markets to an integration of media and technology. Open drug markets, closed social networks, social media based models, and cryptomarkets are possible transactional modes for the distribution and purchase of drugs, ranging from the most immediate to delayed delivery, with the latter two being computer-mediated and resemblant of cybercrime. This paper assesses how Hirschi and Gottfredson's (2000) concept of self-control influences preferred transactional modes of purchasing drugs. Danish students aged 12-25 (n=44.403) were surveyed on their preferred method of purchasing cannabis and on Grasmick et al.'s (1993) self-control scale. The paper includes digital literacy, measured via school performance and digital behavior variables. The finding expands the scope of self-control theory and provides an understanding of how self-control affects specific types of drug purchase behavior. The paper further contributes to the understanding of the relation between digital (cyber) crimes and off-line crimes.

Authors

• Jakob Demant, University of Copenhagen

• Rasmus Munksgaard, University of Copenhagen