Introduction
When it comes to digital crimes, various methods are used to commit such acts. These
include: Hacking, malicious software as well as cyber stalking, to name a few takes place day in
and day out. The names that are attached to these crimes in fact explains the what and now, the
why has to be explained. In this body of work however, it will be discussed theories surrounding
digital crimes. Space Transition Theory and Social Learning Theory will provide detail and
insight as to the why factor: why was the crime committed, the rationale of the response, how it
relates to crime in general. Routine Activity Theory will also be explained and how it correlates
to digital crime as well as non-digital crime.
Keywords: …show more content…
(Jaishankar, 2007) More often then we
care to admit, people behave differently when they are in public versus when they are in the
confinement of their own home or office. This theory argues that individuals who repress the
urge to commit criminal acts end up performing them online due to the anonymity and because it
would not be something they would do in public due to who they are or their status in the
community. According to Jaishankar, in this theory individuals will more likely commit crimes
with complete strangers or someone in the same group or association and even go as far as
committing these crimes together. Another rationale behind the Space Transition Theory is due
to lack of deterrence and identity flexibility. In deterrence, individuals will weigh the pros and
the cons and eventually not commit an act because the consequences outweigh the rewards, in
cyberspace and in Space Transition Theory, this does not exist because the fact that there is a
higher possibility of not getting caught outweighs the consequence.
Social Learning Theory Environments and social status normally becomes a prelude to how …show more content…
Reinforcement can come in the form
of praises, money, approval and even pleasure. Beliefs Favorable in Crime can be taught from
one person to another. An individual can provide approval for the commitment of certain acts
that include gambling, doing drugs and petty theft. Once the approval is given, justification of
the act follows and the person is taught that it is acceptable to do this because and a number of
reasons are given. Once the person feels justified in committing crimes, that becomes a core
value for the person. Imitation of Criminal Models comes into play because it comes from what
is seen. Crossman writes that this happens especially if you admire the person and want to
emulate them in every way possible. They are more likely to commit a crime because they have
witnessed their “hero” doing so.
Routine Activities Theory
Most of us have a routine when we wake up in the morning. Get out of
bed, turn on CNN or take a shower, or pray, or even let the dog out and start our day. The same
way we have a routine in our walking life, we have one in cyberspace too. In Routine
When it comes to digital crimes, various methods are used to commit such acts. These
include: Hacking, malicious software as well as cyber stalking, to name a few takes place day in
and day out. The names that are attached to these crimes in fact explains the what and now, the
why has to be explained. In this body of work however, it will be discussed theories surrounding
digital crimes. Space Transition Theory and Social Learning Theory will provide detail and
insight as to the why factor: why was the crime committed, the rationale of the response, how it
relates to crime in general. Routine Activity Theory will also be explained and how it correlates
to digital crime as well as non-digital crime.
Keywords: …show more content…
(Jaishankar, 2007) More often then we
care to admit, people behave differently when they are in public versus when they are in the
confinement of their own home or office. This theory argues that individuals who repress the
urge to commit criminal acts end up performing them online due to the anonymity and because it
would not be something they would do in public due to who they are or their status in the
community. According to Jaishankar, in this theory individuals will more likely commit crimes
with complete strangers or someone in the same group or association and even go as far as
committing these crimes together. Another rationale behind the Space Transition Theory is due
to lack of deterrence and identity flexibility. In deterrence, individuals will weigh the pros and
the cons and eventually not commit an act because the consequences outweigh the rewards, in
cyberspace and in Space Transition Theory, this does not exist because the fact that there is a
higher possibility of not getting caught outweighs the consequence.
Social Learning Theory Environments and social status normally becomes a prelude to how …show more content…
Reinforcement can come in the form
of praises, money, approval and even pleasure. Beliefs Favorable in Crime can be taught from
one person to another. An individual can provide approval for the commitment of certain acts
that include gambling, doing drugs and petty theft. Once the approval is given, justification of
the act follows and the person is taught that it is acceptable to do this because and a number of
reasons are given. Once the person feels justified in committing crimes, that becomes a core
value for the person. Imitation of Criminal Models comes into play because it comes from what
is seen. Crossman writes that this happens especially if you admire the person and want to
emulate them in every way possible. They are more likely to commit a crime because they have
witnessed their “hero” doing so.
Routine Activities Theory
Most of us have a routine when we wake up in the morning. Get out of
bed, turn on CNN or take a shower, or pray, or even let the dog out and start our day. The same
way we have a routine in our walking life, we have one in cyberspace too. In Routine