How does cyber technology impact interactions between offenders and victims?

While cyber technology has brought numerous benefits to society, it has also significantly impacted interactions between offenders and victims. With the increasing of cybercrime, offenders now have unusual access to victims, and the dynamics of victimization have evolved in unprecedented ways. One significant impact of cyber technology on interactions between offenders and victims is the escalation of online offenses. Offenders now have the ability to commit a wide range of crimes online, including identity theft, cyberbullying, online harassment, revenge porn, and online scams, they can use the internet to gain access to personal information, spread harmful content, or engage in illegal activities, all without being physically present. This has fundamentally changed the nature of victimization, as offenders can now target individuals across geographical boundaries and exploit vulnerabilities in the cyber realm. Unlike traditional crimes, cyber offenses often leave minimal physical evidence and can be challenging to trace back to the perpetrators. Cyber criminals can hide their identity using various techniques such as using virtual private networks (VPNs). cybercrimes are often transnational in nature, with offenders operating from different countries, which adds complexity to the investigation and prosecution process. This has resulted in a lower rate of apprehension and conviction of cyber offenders, leading to a perception of impunity and emboldening offenders to continue their criminal activities. Cyber victims often experience psychological distress, including fear, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The online nature of the crimes can result in a constant sense of invasion of privacy and loss of control, as the victims’ personal information may be exposed, their reputation may be damaged, or they may be subjected to online harassment or threats. Law enforcement agencies and policymakers have been working to enhance cybercrime detection and investigation capabilities, including the use of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital forensics. International cooperation and coordination among law enforcement agencies have also been strengthened to combat transnational cybercrime.