SOCIO-ECONOMIC DETERMINANTS OF CYBER CRIME: IMPLICATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The emergence of the cyber space has given rise to a new face of social relationship characterized by increased interaction among young people. This like, the physical space, has given rise to a peculiar form of criminality inimical to societal development. It is against this background that this paper aimed at examining the socio-economic determinants of cybercrimes among young people and its implications for sustainable development in Nigeria. This study was anchored on the premise of Differential Association and Space Transition Theories. It was conducted in Owerri Municipal Local Government Area with a sample size of two hundred and fifty (250). The 250 participants were chosen through simple random and purposive sampling techniques. The Questionnaire and In-depth Interview Schedule were the major instruments for data collection. Quantitative data collected were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), while narrative quotes were used in the analysis of qualitative data. Findings from the study revealed that unemployment, crave for quick money, low income, bad company and poverty were the major determinants of cybercrimes. The study showed a Significant relationship between level of educational attainment and being a victim of cybercrime. It was therefore recommended among many others that the government should capitalize on the opportunities that abound in the cyber space to create job for the teaming number of young people in the country as well as help initiate, together with other stakeholders, sensitization programmes to educate people on the implications of cybercrimes to societal development in Nigeria.