Cybercrime: Victims’ Shock Absorption Mechanisms

Abstract

The development of technology creates opportunities for businesses, seamless communications and leisure activities to thrive. However, it also propels crime. In Nigeria, cyber threat continues to evolve rapidly with rising number of victims on daily bases. This necessitated the present study that examines the shock absorption mechanism of the cybercrime victims in Nigeria. The data for this study came from a variety of sources, including books, articles, essays, tabloids, and journal publications; a content analysis approach was used to evaluate the data and present using certain words, themes, concepts, or codifications. The study found that the peculiarity of cybercrime lies in the fact that the victims willingly land themselves into it without being forced to do so. It starts with what seem to be a friendly conversation and exchange of correspondences and pleasantries which turns into a scamming spree. To this end, victims are left battered and shattered, and could act irrationally against own-self before state actors set out to track the offender(s). Thus, victims of cybercrime could absorb shock by spending quality time with significant others. This enables them feel the love and moral supports from close associates, other than wallow in loneliness and isolation which can breed unpleasant stimuli.