“The Effects of Self-control on the Cyber Victim-Offender Overlap” is an article written by Brooke Nodeland to examine a study done to address the question, “Does low self-control increase the odds of individuals participating in cyber offending?” The study aims to investigate the role of low self-control in cyber offending, cyber victimization, and the cyber victimoffender overlap among American college students. The study seeks to understand whether traditional criminological theories, particularly Gottfredson and Hirschi’s self-control theory, can be applied to explain these phenomena in the context of cyber deviance. It also highlights the limited research on the cyber victim-offender overlap and aims to contribute to this study area.

Nodeland utilized survey research by collecting original data from an anonymous survey conducted at a midsized university in the southern United States. This was done by sending out an email with a link requesting participation but specifying that the survey was voluntary and ensuring anonymity. The data collected showed an inverse relationship between self-control and cyber offenders and victims. For example, the more self-control you have, the less likely you are to be a victim or an offender. In the study, a correlation between ethnicity and cyber-offenses was also found. Data showed that being Caucasian increased the odds of being a cyber victim or offender.

This article and study relate to social science principles in a few ways—the first being determinism. Determinism, as a principle of science, is described as a behavior caused by a precedent. In this case, the study is determining if low self-control contributes to an increased likelihood of cyber deviance. Another principle is empiricism. The on-campus survey directly reflects empirical research since the study used actual student data and was not based on the opinions of Nodeland or other cyber professionals she studied for archival research. Lastly, relativism is related to this study as well due to the results and findings of the study. Relativism can be defined as “all things are related” or “cause and effect”. In this case, evidence suggests that low self-control is likely a direct influence on cyber victim-offenders. While visiting the relation of this article to these principles, I have pointed out that all the data provided is also reflected in core concepts of my Cybersecurity and Social Science class. The main one is behavioral theories in cybersecurity. The study and course material in my class both state that people with deviant peers are more likely to participate in cyber offenses.

In the end, this study was needed for the progression of cybersecurity. As stated by Nodeland, the previous research conducted was mainly about cyberbullying. More examination of the causation of cyber offenses and victimization will only benefit the cyber security community, thus creating a safer cyberspace overall. Studying people in that space will forever be a constant because people are the number one threat and the number one defense.

References:

Duvall, T. (2023). “CYSE201 Module 2 Fall 2023: Principles of Social Sciences and

Cybersecurity” [PowerPoint presentation]. Old Dominion University. https://canvas.odu.edu/courses/140948/files/25810415/download?download_frd=1

Nodeland, B. (2020). The effects of self-control on the cybercrime victim-offender overlap.

International Journal of Cybersecurity Intelligence and Cybercrime, 3(2), 4-24.

https://www.doi.org/10.52306/ 03020220ONXT9834