Effects of Individual and Contextual Dimensions on an Aggregate Measure of Cybervictimization

Cybervictimization is a significant challenge and increasing concern. This study explored the predictors of an aggregate measure of six different types of cybervictimization, incorporating property (online consumer fraud, online identity theft), interpersonal (cyberbullying and cyberstalking), as well as phishing and malware infection crimes. An online survey was self-administered to 726 individuals, measuring sociodemographic variables and routine activity variables, stemming from Routine Activities Theory (RAT). Of the 726 individuals, 440 were already victims of at least one cybercrime. Communicating or giving personal information to unknown individuals doubled the likelihood of being victimized online. Education increased the likelihood of victimization, while higher income was associated with a lower likelihood of online victimization. These results are discussed in relation to the RAT framework and existing empirical studies that have applied it to explain online victimization.