- Jun 24, 2016
- 636
Cyber-Psychology: Security, Bullying, & Smartphone Withdrawal:
[IMAGE:Flickr.com-The scientific explanation by ky_olsen (reuse permitted)]
The social psychology of cybersecurity:
SOURCE: thepsychologist.bps.org.uk
John McAlaney, Helen Thackray and Jacqui Taylor consider motivations for hacking, and how the problem is best addressed...
Despite the intrinsically psychological nature of many cybersecurity attacks, research into the role of psychology in cybersecurity is still limited. Indeed, even research into social engineering is often conducted from the discipline of computing rather than social psychology.
The need for a social psychological approach is also suggested by the fact that large-scale cybersecurity incidents – stemming from motivations as varied as financial gain and political/ideological protest – are often instigated by groups, as opposed to individuals acting alone.
Impression management and social identity-
A characteristic of hacktivist groups and cyberattackers is the mystery around the identity of their members and the actual reach or capabilities of the group. This is of course necessary in some cases so that individuals can avoid being identified by law enforcement agencies, but many of these groups have become adept at brand management for the promotion of themselves and their cause. Anonymous have become particularly known for the Guy Fawkes mask, taken from a graphic novel on which the film V for Vendetta was based. This symbol has become coopted and replicated across many groups and used as a way of expressing discontent with the establishment.
Group processes-
As we have discussed, many cybersecurity incidents would appear to be orchestrated by groups. It is established in social psychology that being a member of a group can alter individual behaviour and thought processes in a number of fundamental ways. For example, cognitive processes such as decision making, planning, judging and problem solving may be undertaken at a group level rather than an individual level (Hinsz et al., 1997). Similarly, emotions can spread throughout groups, even to members who were not involved in the original event that prompted the emotion (E.R. Smith et al., 2007). This may be particularly relevant to cybersecurity incidents that are linked to online social protest and hacktivism, where there is a sense of anger at a perceived injustice or suppression of freedom. It has also been found that individuals will make riskier decisions when in groups than when alone, even if the decision is made privately after the group discussion has taken place (Wallach et al., 1962). However, individuals are often unaware of the influence that the group is having on their behaviour (Darley, 1992).
Empowering informed decision making-
Attempts to dissuade people (especially young adults) from becoming involved in hacktivism and cybercrime by instructing them they should not do so, seem destined to fail. As experienced across a range of health and social behaviours, such direct and blatant attempts to change behaviour can easily result in a reactance response, in which an individual or group resent the perception that their choices are being removed from them. In some cases the individual may adopt an attitude directly contrary to that which they feel is being pushed upon them, in a process known as negative attitude change (Fuegen & Brehm, 2004). Given that many hacktivism groups define themselves on the basis of being anarchistic it would seem especially likely that attempts to bring about behaviour change in these groups would result in this type of negative response. It is important to also understand the role that being part of these groups has for individuals. If we discourage them from interacting with groups associated with hacktivism and cybercrime, then we may also be asking them to abandon something that is an important basis of their social identity and self-esteem....
SOURCE: timesofindia.indiatimes.com (ARTICLE DATE: 22nd Aug 2016)
If you thought that only the victims of cyberbullying are prone to suffer from depression and anxiety, think again. Psychologists have warned that the bullies themselves could be covertly depressed and anxious...
"Most of them experience an inferiority complex and demean themselves or may even be covertly depressed or anxious," city-based psychologist Ripan Sippy told IANS.
"On social media, people develop inflated self-concepts as they compensate their inferiorities with 'intellectual' reasoning and views on a uniform platform with the e-world," Sippy said.
"They end up bullying because on social media platforms, they are able to act anonymously where others generally are unaware of their inferiorities, shortcomings or hidden emotional problems," Sippy said..
SOURCE:independent.ie (ARTICLE DATE: 20th Aug 2016)
Those who accidentally leave their smartphones at home report feeling panicked, desperate or sick from being without their device...
A new survey by Liberty Insurance, carried out by Millward Brown, looked at how much time we spend on social media and our obsession with smartphones.
The survey found that over half of women felt sick with worry when they left their smartphones at home, compared to just one-third of men.
Some 64% of 17-29 year-olds felt panicked when they left their phones at home compared to 31% of over 55s.
[IMAGE:Flickr.com-The scientific explanation by ky_olsen (reuse permitted)]
The social psychology of cybersecurity:
SOURCE: thepsychologist.bps.org.uk
John McAlaney, Helen Thackray and Jacqui Taylor consider motivations for hacking, and how the problem is best addressed...
Despite the intrinsically psychological nature of many cybersecurity attacks, research into the role of psychology in cybersecurity is still limited. Indeed, even research into social engineering is often conducted from the discipline of computing rather than social psychology.
The need for a social psychological approach is also suggested by the fact that large-scale cybersecurity incidents – stemming from motivations as varied as financial gain and political/ideological protest – are often instigated by groups, as opposed to individuals acting alone.
Impression management and social identity-
A characteristic of hacktivist groups and cyberattackers is the mystery around the identity of their members and the actual reach or capabilities of the group. This is of course necessary in some cases so that individuals can avoid being identified by law enforcement agencies, but many of these groups have become adept at brand management for the promotion of themselves and their cause. Anonymous have become particularly known for the Guy Fawkes mask, taken from a graphic novel on which the film V for Vendetta was based. This symbol has become coopted and replicated across many groups and used as a way of expressing discontent with the establishment.
Group processes-
As we have discussed, many cybersecurity incidents would appear to be orchestrated by groups. It is established in social psychology that being a member of a group can alter individual behaviour and thought processes in a number of fundamental ways. For example, cognitive processes such as decision making, planning, judging and problem solving may be undertaken at a group level rather than an individual level (Hinsz et al., 1997). Similarly, emotions can spread throughout groups, even to members who were not involved in the original event that prompted the emotion (E.R. Smith et al., 2007). This may be particularly relevant to cybersecurity incidents that are linked to online social protest and hacktivism, where there is a sense of anger at a perceived injustice or suppression of freedom. It has also been found that individuals will make riskier decisions when in groups than when alone, even if the decision is made privately after the group discussion has taken place (Wallach et al., 1962). However, individuals are often unaware of the influence that the group is having on their behaviour (Darley, 1992).
Empowering informed decision making-
Attempts to dissuade people (especially young adults) from becoming involved in hacktivism and cybercrime by instructing them they should not do so, seem destined to fail. As experienced across a range of health and social behaviours, such direct and blatant attempts to change behaviour can easily result in a reactance response, in which an individual or group resent the perception that their choices are being removed from them. In some cases the individual may adopt an attitude directly contrary to that which they feel is being pushed upon them, in a process known as negative attitude change (Fuegen & Brehm, 2004). Given that many hacktivism groups define themselves on the basis of being anarchistic it would seem especially likely that attempts to bring about behaviour change in these groups would result in this type of negative response. It is important to also understand the role that being part of these groups has for individuals. If we discourage them from interacting with groups associated with hacktivism and cybercrime, then we may also be asking them to abandon something that is an important basis of their social identity and self-esteem....
[To read the full article please visit thepsychologist.bps.org.uk]
Cyberbullying hurts both bullies and victims equally:
SOURCE: timesofindia.indiatimes.com (ARTICLE DATE: 22nd Aug 2016)
If you thought that only the victims of cyberbullying are prone to suffer from depression and anxiety, think again. Psychologists have warned that the bullies themselves could be covertly depressed and anxious...
"Most of them experience an inferiority complex and demean themselves or may even be covertly depressed or anxious," city-based psychologist Ripan Sippy told IANS.
"On social media, people develop inflated self-concepts as they compensate their inferiorities with 'intellectual' reasoning and views on a uniform platform with the e-world," Sippy said.
"They end up bullying because on social media platforms, they are able to act anonymously where others generally are unaware of their inferiorities, shortcomings or hidden emotional problems," Sippy said..
[To read the full article please visit timesofindia.indiatimes.com]
People 'feel sick when they are separated from phones':
SOURCE:independent.ie (ARTICLE DATE: 20th Aug 2016)
Those who accidentally leave their smartphones at home report feeling panicked, desperate or sick from being without their device...
A new survey by Liberty Insurance, carried out by Millward Brown, looked at how much time we spend on social media and our obsession with smartphones.
The survey found that over half of women felt sick with worry when they left their smartphones at home, compared to just one-third of men.
Some 64% of 17-29 year-olds felt panicked when they left their phones at home compared to 31% of over 55s.
[To read the full article please visit independent.ie]
