Risker i det digitaliserade samhället: unga vuxnas kunskap och medvetenhet om risker på nätet

Sammanfattning: The purpose of this study is to investigate young adults knowledge and awareness of online crime, and also to examine their attitudes towards the legislation in the area. We also find it interesting to investigate if young adults are worried to become victims of online crime, and if this affects their internet usage. This, because there are risks of entering personal data online. What makes people extra vulnerable to this type of crime is that online risks are more complex and may be more difficult to predict than risks in the physical world. The theory chosen in this essay is Ulrich Beck’s risk society in which he brings up different types of risks that can affect its citizens. This theory will be applied to online crime and occurring risks in our high-technological society. Finally, the results in this study have shown that young adult awareness is high, but that the knowledge was relatively low regarding how to protect themselves from online crime and risks. The knowledge was also relatively low on how to protect themselves from becoming victims of online crime. Also, the knowledge of current legislation regarding online crime was also relatively low. Unfortunately, the risks on the internet are greater than some may believe, especially when criminals can be anonymous and data breaches occur without major signs on the victim's computer. The law and social norms should therefore work together to internalize a generally accepted behavior online.