Why People May View Online Crimes as Less Criminal: Exploring the Perception of Cybercrime

Abstract

This qualitative research explores the perceptions of cybercrime among adults and investigates the factors influencing their potential motivations for participating in online activities that could be deemed illegal or criminal. The study involved panel discussions with master's students from diverse international backgrounds at the University of Tehran. Thematic analysis was utilized to examine the opinions and justifications presented by the participants. The primary objective of this article is to shed light on the ways in which people conceptualize online crimes and rationalize their involvement in illegal online activities, such as illegal downloads and online bullying. The findings contribute to a more profound comprehension of how individuals view cybercrimes, which, in turn, can offer valuable insights for developing targeted educational programs, interventions, and legal frameworks to effectively address this issue.