Exploring Psychological Triggers and Vulnerabilities Leading to Digital Arrests in Cybercrime Cases: A Comparative Study in Uttar Pradesh
Main Article Content
Abstract
Cybercrime has become an increasingly pervasive issue in the digital age, with a growing number of individuals falling prey to various forms of online criminal activities. Digital arrests, often linked to cybercrime cases, highlight the vulnerabilities that make individuals susceptible to involvement in illegal online activities. This research aimed to explore the psychological triggers and vulnerabilities that contribute to digital arrests in Uttar Pradesh, focusing on the factors that influence individuals' decisions to engage in cybercrime or fall victim to it. This cross-sectional study surveyed 474 respondents from Uttar Pradesh, including Cyber Experts, the General Public, Psychologists, and Police Officials. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire on psychological reasons and vulnerabilities, analyzed through SPSS with frequency, reliability, factor analysis, and ANOVA. The study found no significant differences in perceptions of psychological reasons (F = 1.366, p = 0.252) and vulnerabilities (F = 0.808, p = 0.490) across various groups, including Cyber Experts, General Public, Psychologists, and Police Officials, suggesting uniformity in views on these factors. Key psychological triggers identified include trust, fear, emotional manipulation, and cognitive biases, while vulnerabilities such as lack of digital literacy, clicking on suspicious links, and sharing personal information were prominent. These findings highlighted the need for targeted awareness programs and interventions to address both psychological triggers and technical vulnerabilities to reduce digital arrests in cybercrime cases.