Patterns of Internet use and Cyber-crime Victimization

• In Event: Theoretical Approaches to Cyber Crime

Abstract

This study examines the effects, if any, of macro-level opportunity indicators on the rate of cyber-related crime victimization. Based on the arguments in criminal opportunity theory, the theoretical opportunity factors such as exposure, the absence of the capable guardianship and target attractiveness can be related to the patterns of Internet use at home and on mobile devices. Using the average rates of three years state-level cyber-crime victimization data, this study finds that both of patterns using the Internet only at home and by multiple devices are positively associated with the rate of cyber-crime victimization. For a combined measure of in-home and outside home Internet use, in contrast, it has negative effects on the cyber-crime victimization. The theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.

Authors

• Hyojong Song, University of South Florida

• John Cochran, University of South Florida

• Michael Lynch, University of South Florida