Article Review #1: An Analytical Review of “Cyber Offending among Adolescents: The Role of Thoughtfully Reflective Decision-Making and Victimization”
Authors: Sela-Shayovitz, Berenblum, Toys
Introduction
The introduction of this article explains how studies conducted indicate an increase in deviant behavior and cybercrime among adolescents using different social media platforms. These crimes include stalking, hacking, harassment, and bullying (Sela-Shayovitz, Berenblum, Toys, 2025). The focus of this article is on the study of thoughtfully reflective decision-making (TRDM) and whether or not it is associated with cybercrime among adolescents (Sela-Shayovitz, Berenblum, Toys, 2025).
The experiments were conducted yielding three different results. First, TRDM reduces involvement of online offending in adolescents. Second, TRDM and cyber victimization are both related to cyber offending. Finally, social media activity also plays a role in cyber offending (Sela-Shayovitz, Berenblum, Toys, 2025).
Connection to Social Science Principles
This article explores most of the Social Science Principles. The principle of relativism is the definition of cyber offending and its effects must be considered the same for all subjects. Next, scientists must study all subjects in a value-free manner. Parsimony means that scientists should explain all procedures and findings as simply as possible. This was done in the both the data analysis and results section of the article. Only behavior real to the senses can be studied is known as empiricism. This is shown in the experiment with the method of collecting the data. Ethical Neutrality means that ethical standards must be followed during research. Determinism means behavior is caused, determined, or influenced by preceding events. This principle is not found in the experiment since there is really no historical event that would cause cyber offending being studied. Skepticism says that all claims should be questioned and not accepted at face value.
Research Question/Hypothesis/Independent Variable/Dependent Variable
The study was conducted to find out if TRDM and cyber victimization relate to adolescents’ offending online (Sela-Shayovitz, Berenblum, Toys, 2025). There were two hypotheses made before conducting the experiment. The first stated, “TRDM is negatively associated with engagement in online offending,” and the second says, “We also expect to find a positive association between cyber victimization and online offending.” (Sela-Shayovitz, Berenblum, Toys, 2025).
The study included five independent variables. The first IV was used to measure TRDM using a five-question survey. Another four-question survey was used as the second IV. Next, the mean for social media activity was compared based off the answers given. Fourth, cyber victimization was rated on a 5 point scale and finally, they measured the amount of internet usage time. Online offending was the dependent variable and it was measured using six different categories of cyber offending (Sela-Shayovitz, Berenblum, Toys, 2025).
Types of Research Methods used
Multiple surveys were conducted as the method of research.
Types of Data Analysis used
Data was gathered and analyzed by using different survey questions and comparing the answers on a five and six point scale.
Connections to the Concerns or contributions of Marginalized Groups
This experiment contributes to the concerns of marginalized groups because while TRDM has a negative effect on cyber offending, TRDM combined with cyber victimization increase cyber offending (Sela-Shayovitz, Berenblum, Toys, 2025).
Overall societal contributions of the study/Conclusion
Both findings from this study helped to further prove results from previous studies. This is important because it adds another research type to back the findings. The conclusion states that , “the results of the present study offer a new perspective on the key role of low levels of TRDM in involvement in criminal behavior.” (Sela-Shayovitz, Berenblum, Toys, 2025).
References
Sela-Shayovitz, R. , Berenblum, T. & Toys, S. (2025). Cyber Offending among Adolescents:
The Role of Thoughtfully Reflective Decision-Making and Victimization .
International Journal of Cybersecurity Intelligence & Cybercrime, 8(1), – .
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52306/2578-3289.1177