Internet anonymity weakens the perceived criminality of hacking

Evidence

Rubin (1994) describes certain characteristics of electronic technologies that can increase the propensity for moral disengagement. Transgressive acts can be performed privately and anonymously against depersonalized or faceless victims located thousands of miles away. Breaking into an office to steal paper files is difficult to execute, as is escaping detection. But with the right malware, hackers can break into web sites with minimal effort and without leaving tracks or displacing of the owner’s property. The notions of breaking and entering and burglary in the cyberworld are more likely to be viewed by computer hackers as metaphorical rather than criminal. — Albert Bandura, Moral Disengagement, 474 (#expands, via linked claim)

The Internet was designed as a highly decentralized system that defies regulation. Anybody can get into the act, and nobody is in charge. Internet trolls can readily use this unfettered vehicle for destructive purposes. Rubin (1994) describes certain characteristics of electronic technologies that can increase the propensity for moral disengagement. Transgressive acts can be performed privately and anonymously against depersonalized or faceless victims located thousands of miles away. Breaking into an office to steal paper files is difficult to execute, as is escaping detection. But with the right malware, hackers can break into web sites with minimal effort and without leaving tracks or displacing of the owner’s property. The notions of breaking and entering and burglary in the cyberworld are more likely to be viewed by computer hackers as metaphorical rather than criminal. — Albert Bandura, Moral Disengagement, 474 (#expands, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Modern anonymity does not weaken regard-based social sanctions. — Philip Pettit, Republicanism: A Theory of Freedom and…, 1029; Anonymity and distance from victims weaken moral restraint in cybercrime — Albert Bandura, Moral Disengagement: How People Do Harm…, 474; Digital anonymity against faceless victims weakens moral self-sanctions — Albert Bandura, Moral Disengagement: How People Do Harm…, 474 (+6 more)

Broader Connections

• Anonymity and distance from victims weaken moral restraint in cybercrime #expands (0.95) — Albert Bandura, Moral Disengagement, 474
• Digital anonymity against faceless victims weakens moral self-sanctions #expands (0.93) — Albert Bandura, Moral Disengagement, 474