A Study of the Role of Environmental Factors in Committing Crimes by the Cyberspace Users: A Case Study of the Youth in Shiraz

The anonymity and low cost of cyberspace make it a unique environment. Due to this characteristic and the widespread influence of cyberspace among young people, it is particularly pertinent to examine the impact of environmental characteristics on crime. Following the topic, the research aims to investigate how environmental factors and features may influence young cyberspace users' criminal behavior. In order to conduct the present applied research, the researchers utilized the survey method. This study investigated cyberspace users aged 18 to 35 living in Shiraz. The researchers selected 300 people on random sampling basis and developed a questionnaire to conduct the study. SPSS-26 software and descriptive and inferential statistics (Pearson Correlation Coefficient) were used to analyze the data. The findings showed that the correlation between encouraging environmental factors and rate of crimes committed by the mentioned group of cyberspace users is meaningful. Therefore, the more intensive the environmental factors that encourage crime, the higher the crime rate are observed. Furthermore, the calculations indicate that deterrent factors are significantly correlated with crime. An increase in deterrent factors can contribute to the reduction of crime. Taking into account the characteristics of cyberspace and the intensification of factors that encourage crime, special attention should be paid to developing and modifying appropriate software platforms. Furthermore, increased parental interaction with their children and establishing indirect controls can also reduce the rate of crime among the mentioned group.