Date of Award
5-1-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.C.J. in Criminal Justice
First Advisor
Francis Boateng
Second Advisor
D’Andre Walker
Third Advisor
Justin Moody
School
University of Mississippi
Relational Format
dissertation/thesis
Abstract
In the increasingly digital academic and social settings, students’ exposure to cybercrime has significantly increased, which renders them both prospective perpetrators and victims. Although prior research examined cybercrime behaviors and victimization, limited attention has been given to the underlying decision-making processes and situational mechanisms that influence these outcomes. This study aims to examine the patterns, motivations, and contextual factors related to cyber offending, particularly illegal downloading (digital piracy), and cyber victimization, which includes cyber intrusion and interpersonal harassment among college students. The research utilized various analytical methods, such as descriptive statistics, bivariate correlation, and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression analyses, to evaluate the impact of perceived risks, rewards, and formal or informal sanctions on cyber offending behaviors, as well as the effects of online exposure, target suitability, and guardianship factors on cyber victimization experiences. The results show that the fear of being caught and formal punishments significantly reduce engagement in digital piracy, supporting deterrence-based explanations of cyber offending. However, informal consequences had a positive correlation with offending, which suggests a normalizing of specific cyber activities within student culture. Contrary to traditional assumptions, regular online activities and overall exposure did not serve as significant predictors of victimization. In contrast, specific guardianship measures exhibited a positive correlation with victimization, which suggests a potential reactive implementation of security methods. The findings highlight the necessity of enhancing deterrence measures, fostering proactive cybersecurity practices, and addressing the ongoing pattern of victimization in both offline and online settings.
Recommended Citation
Hasan, Md. Akramul, "Cyber Offending and Victimization Among College Students: Understanding the Patterns of Online Risk and Behavior" (2026). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 8828.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/8828