After reviewing the articles in question, I have compiled a tierlist on which explanation is the most logical for hacking.

#7 Recognition- Unfortunately, in this digital age of both network tracing and even cameras. Being a daring anonymous user who hacks for recognition is a fleeting career at best. As it may only take one oversight and enough ire to trace your actions back to you.

#6 Boredom- Out of all things one could do, hacking for the sake of killing time is certainly a strange one. As the results can vary from minor to life ruining to whoever is the recipient of the hack.

#5 Revenge- As much as I enjoy a little bit of justice like anyone else. The cases that involve this type of hacking motivation often result in bridges being crossed with legitimate harm to the victim that are often inexcusable.

#4 Entertainment- Similar to #6, hacking to satiate the need for entertainment can vary wildly in its scope and consequences. However, more often than not, the hacks typically don’t go in-depth with their methods or objective. Causing less damage as a whole sometimes.

#3 For Various Reasons- The main reason it is this high on the list is mostly because the range and motivations of those who hack for various reasons can of course, vary wildly in scope and scale. It is best described as a wildcard option.

#2 For Money- Out of all of the options covered so far, hacking for monetary gain is the most logical reason as to why one would commit an illegal act. As it can be a viable source of income selling secrets to buyers at top dollar.

#1 For Political Reasons- In my opinion the most understandable motivation, hacking to push a political message across or informing the wider world of events can have almost noble motivations depending on what side of the political isle you sit on. Especially in this day and age where almost all acts are known, hacktivists can give us insight into the motives of certain groups in a more timely manner than anything else.