criminology final

As I indicated in this week’s lecture, the author doesn’t offer a solid criminological explanation for cybercrime. He cites Sociologist Ogburn’s “cultural lag” theory, which is primarily an important theory in the study of cultural change. But he doesn’t use any of the theories discussed earlier in this text.
Other criminologists have used those earlier theories. For example, Labelling Theory is relevant because most hackers do not label themselves as doing anything bad. In fact, even the late Steve Jobs, founder of Apple Computer, used to say that some hacking is needed so that computer engineers can stay sharp and inventive. If he was right, then hackers are doing good and not engaging in criminal behavior.
This final assignment of the class challenges you to apply a criminological theory to this Cybercrime. To ease the burden a bit, you need only to apply any one of the three different criminological theories outlined below. Your goal is to explain use the concepts from one of those theories to explain why cybercriminals do what they do. And in order to make the assignment easier, you need to use one of those theories to address one or more of the questions written below the theory outlines.
Here are the three theories from which you need to pick. In order to refresh (and stimulate) your thinking, I’ve provided some hints about possible jumping off points.
“Differential Association Theory”
Fraternities of cyber criminals; computer science departments; Silicon Valley; Internet
Degrees of interaction: frequency, duration, intensity, etc., friends, chat groups, Social Media
“Rational Choice Theory”
Calculations….weighing positives and negatives…do cybercriminals think or just do?
Benefits, rewards…..solving puzzles, control, “virtual” emotional satisfaction, money
Penalties, dangers…. Costs, equipment, arrest, virtual warfare, stigma if caught.p
“Routine Activities Theory.”
Offenders (hackers, perverts, worms and viruses);
Suitable targets (individuals, government, businesses, the “Cloud”)
Capable Guardians (security software, web anonymity, parents, police)
Here are the concrete questions, two or more of which you should answer with theoretical concepts in the theories outlined above.
As in all crime, there is motive…to steal, to sabotage, to hurt,…ultimately to gain some advantage. Your assignment will be graded less on your indication of motive and mostly on how you apply the elements of your chosen theory. Two-four substantial paragraphs ought to provide sufficient opportunity for that. This final assignment is not intended as a term paper or a thesis statement.
Questions of possible interest:
a) Why do some college students try to steal passwords of fellow students?
b) Why do cyber thieves steal bank account numbers and passwords?
c) How do cyber criminals get so successful hacking into private databases or creating software worms that return confidential information
d) Why do individuals use social media to slander, bully, denigrate, or even threaten other people?
e) Why do people pirate software, ring tones, musical tunes?
Remember: 2-4 paragraphs using concepts from one of the theories outlined above.

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