Low Self-Control and Cybercrime Victimization: An Examination of Indirect Effects Through Risky Online Behavior

Abstract

Research has established that individuals lower in self-control are at increased risk of offline criminal victimization due to their proclivity to engage in risky routine activities. While some studies have investigated whether a similar pattern is observed in the online context, additional inquiry into whether the link between low self-control and cybercrime victimization operates indirectly through risky online behavior is warranted given certain measurement and methodological limitations of prior research. Using original data collected on a sample of young adults, we find that the association between low self-control and a variety measure of cybercrime victimization operates entirely and indirectly through a variety measure of risky online behaviors. The implications of this finding for policy and programing are discussed.

The Role of Low Self-Control and Risky Lifestyles in Criminal Victimization: A Study of Adolescents in South Korea

“…Despite these adverse consequences of victimization, young adolescents are the least likely group to report their victimization to police and others, making it more difficult to prevent its adverse impact in earlier stages [ 68 ]. Thus, it is essential for scholars to completely understand the etiology of adolescent victimization and life processes that place them at heightened risk of being victimized [ 76 , 77 , 78 ]. Identifying risk factors related to victimization with young adolescents can promote adolescents’ successful transition to healthy adulthood by providing practical preventive measures.…”

Prevalence and risk factors for nonconsensual distribution of intimate images among Italian young adults: Implications for prevention and intervention

“…Moreover, impulsive individuals may be more prone to other online and offline risky behaviors ( Partin et al., 2022 ), such as substance use, which can impair judgment and increase the likelihood of becoming victims of NCII.…”