Welcome to the SCARS INSTITUTE Journal of Scam Psychology
A Journal of Applied Scam, Fraud, and Cybercrime Psychology – and Allied Sciences
A dedicated site for psychology, victimology, criminology, applied sociology and anthropology, and allied sciences, published by the SCARS INSTITUTE™ – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
‘They’re not risky’ vs ‘It can ruin your whole life’: How youth/parent dyads differ in their understandings of online risk
Principal Category: Victimology
Authors: Olivia Williams, Kerrianne Buchanan, Yee-Yin Choong
Date: July 23, 2023
DOI LINK: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-35927-9_36
LICENSE: N/A
Source: https://www.nist.gov/publications/theyre-not-risky-vs-it-can-ruin-your-whole-life-how-youthparent-dyads-differ-their
Abstract:
Encountering and/or engaging in risky online behavior is an inherent aspect of being an online user. In particular, youth are vulnerable to such risky behavior, making it important to know how they understand and think about this risk-taking behavior. Similarly, with parents being some of the first and most prominent influencers on youth’s online knowledge and behavior, it is important to know about parents’ understanding and how they attempt to protect/influence their children’s knowledge and behavior. In this qualitative study, we conducted surveys and semi-structured interviews with 40 youth/parent dyads with youth in 3rd-12th grades in the United States to understand more about how youth think about and engage in online risk and risk-taking behavior, and how their parents view and attempt to influence this knowledge. We found that youth of all ages have nuanced ideas about online risk—including viewing online risk as a source of resilience development, growth and learning—and that these ideas are often in contrast to how their parents view the same concept. Youth are more likely than their parents to view online risk as context-dependent and agentive, but are less likely than their parents to think about or understand the consequences of online risky behavior. We use these findings to discuss implications for parents, youth, education and tool providers, and future research.
Research Study/Article/Document
https://scampsychology.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/How-youth-parent-dyads-differ-in-their-understandings-of-online-risk-HCII2023_Youth_risk_paper_final.pdf

TABLE OF CONTENTS
A Question of Trust
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A Note About Labeling!
We often use the term ‘scam victim’ in our articles, but this is a convenience to help those searching for information in search engines like Google. It is just a convenience and has no deeper meaning. If you have come through such an experience, YOU are a Survivor! It was not your fault. You are not alone! Axios!
Statement About Victim Blaming
Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and to not blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and to help victims avoid scams in the future. At times this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims, we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.
These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.
Articles like these help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org
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All articles about psychology, neurology, and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in these articles is intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
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