Identify which theories you think best explain cybercrime and discuss what you like about that theory

Hailey Caram

I think one of the best theories that explains cybercrime is cognitive theory, which helps to explain thought processes and the way individuals process information. Neutralization theory, a sub-theory of cognitive theory, expands on motivations for criminal behavior and the rationalizations individuals make to justify committing a crime. This theory suggests that people know the difference between right and wrong, but try to justify their behavior to commit cyber offenses. I like this theory because it humanizes cybercriminals and doesn’t assume that they are malicious, instead they rationalize their actions so that they make sense to them. Neutralization theory offers five types of neutralization: denial of injury, denial of victim, denial of responsibility, appeal to higher loyalty, and condemnation of condemners. Each type of neutralization is an attempt on the part of the criminal to rationalize and explain criminal acts. When it comes to hackers using techniques like the denial of injury or denial of victim, the theory acknowledges that people try to resolve their conflicts to try and permit their behavior.

I also like behavioral theory and find this theory very useful to understand how cyber offenses are learned. The theory suggests that one’s behavior is shaped by their environment and it helps explain how somebody’s surroundings can normalize illegal online behavior. Sources of learning are varied, and could include influences such as school, the family, peers, or mass media. Behavioral theory asserts that cyber crimes are learned behavior, and are therefore preventable. According to behavioral theory, encouraging ethical online practices can help curb cyber crime and discourage individuals from engaging in unethical online behavior like hacking.