Module 13

How does cyber technology impact interactions between offenders and victims?

The internet has been a platform that has created a massive opportunity to create harm to someone in multiple ways. Offenders are able to target people solely through the internet or use the internet to find the personal information of people they may be trying to stalk or harass in real life. Especially on social media, people tend to post a large amount of their lives which can create openings for victimization. An example being that if you post that you are in a different state or country for a vacation then someone may take the chance to go to your house and steal valuable items and other assets. Also if you post your location someone with negative intent may go to your location and try to harm or kidnap you. There are also incidents of private pictures and information that is being hacked and leaked to the public without your consent which can harm your well being. They can be used for ransom or blackmail considering the situation that is involved. This gives people an opportunity to cause harm without directly physically doing it themselves so they do not have to show their face and remain hidden and unknown. The feeling of protection many get while behind a screen is immense and will only continue as technology is only used more and more on a daily biases in our lives. This will create more and more problems for the future as well as they will be used for malicious reasons which is why we must combat them. Cyber crimes tend to be committed in a different context than traditional crimes, which may lead to different risk factors for both offending and victimization. The relationship between traditional offending and victimization is the strongest for violent crimes, which as per definition requires physical interaction between victims and offenders.

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