PUBLIC PERCEPTION ON THE IMPLICATIONS OF CYBER CRIME ON SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF BAYELSA STATE

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background Of The Study

Almost all human activities have been modified by cyber technology. As a result, in contemporary Nigeria, majority of people own mobile phones with internet connection and have accounts on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Yahoo Mail, Google Mail, etc. These internet-based platforms according to Atte (2018), have created a plethora of options for individuals to communicate and network with people from all around the world, as well as support local businesses in growing. However, despite the benefits of the internet and increased cyber technology as posited by Chiemeke, (2008), there have also been a number of disadvantages, with regards to cybercrime. The advancement of technology and online interactions, as postulated by Odumesi (2014), has resulted in the emergence of criminal activities and an increased prevalence of a variety of cyber criminal activities. Cybercrime, according to Das and Nayak (2013), is a sort of criminal activity perpetuated primarily by youths in which computer systems are utilized as tools or conduits for illicit acts.

It also includes digital hacking and denial of service operations. According to Ibrahim (2016), any crime accomplished through the use of a communication device, cyberspace, or the Internet is regarded as a cybercrime.

Cybercrimes also entail offenses that are committed against individuals or groups of individuals with a criminal motive to intentionally harm the reputation of the victim or cause physical or mental harm to the victim directly or indirectly, using modern telecommunication networks such as internet (Chat rooms, emails, etc) and mobile phones (Muraina & Muraina, 2015).

Consequently, the trend of cybercrime as observed by Asokhia (2010), has resulted in many Nigerian youths engaging and getting involved to this  dynamic crime, thereby posing a huge burden on society as a whole. Apparently, the implication and effect on lives and properties has risen public concern. To this effect, information originated from Nigeria, as asserted by Iwarimie (2010), has been labeled as suspect due to criminal aspects that render it unreliable, inaccurate, and untrustworthy. According to Oluwafemi (2013), technology supported crimes has more severe implications on socio-economic development of the country when compared to conventional crimes. In other words, the internet's contribution to Nigeria's progress as claimed by Folashade and Abimbola (2013),  has been tainted by the emergence of fresh waves of cybercrime. In the light of the above, this study is set to ascertain public perception on the implications of cyber crime on socioeconomic development of Bayelsa State.

1.2 Statement Of The Problem

Cybercrime is an unlawful act carried out through the use of the internet and computer systems. This type of crime according to Kamini (2011), is performed through different methods, which include forgery, identity theft, phishing scams, online gambling, intellectual property crime, cyber defamation, cyber stalking, denial of service attacks, malicious codes, e-mail bombing, web jacking, internet time theft, etc. Hence, its ramifications cannot be overstated. Cybercrime has serious societal consequences as claimed by Ribadu (2007), It facilitates corruption, money laundering, military espionage, and terrorism, as well as harms any country's technological and socioeconomic growth. Notably, in addressing the effects of cybercrime, Kamini (2011) contends that a society with a high crime rate cannot grow or develop; thus, cybercrime has negative and dreadful social and economic consequences. Such implications are obvious in many sectors of the Nigerian economy, and due to the country's reputation for corruption, foreign investors get to block e-mails from the country, and financial instruments are accepted with extreme caution. As a result, information flow from Nigeria, as pinpointed by Iwarimie (2010), has been labeled as suspect due to criminal aspects that render it unreliable, inaccurate, and untrustworthy.  The above therefore form the backdrop for this study.

1.3 Objective Of The Study

The general aim of this study is to critically ascertain public perception on the implications of cyber crime on socioeconomic development of Nigeria. Specifically, the study tends to;

1.        Ascertain public perception on the causes of cyber crime in Nigeria.

2.        Ascertain public perception on the forms of cyber crime in Nigeria.

3.        Ascertain the impact of cyber crime on the socioeconomic development of Nigeria.

1.4 Research Question

The study will be guided by the following question;

1)        What are the causes of cyber crime in Nigeria?

2)        What are the forms of cyber crime in Nigeria?

3)        What the effect of cyber crime on the socioeconomic development of Nigeria?

1.5 Significance Of The Study

The findings of this study will help the Nigerian government have in-depth knowledge of the major causes of cyber crime and its forms. Much more, this study will also apprise them of the negative effect of these public menaces on the socio-economic development of Nigeria. The recommendations made at the end of the study will be useful to both the federal and state governments of Nigeria, as well as individuals and businesses.

Additionally, subsequent researchers will use it as a literature review. This means that other students who may decide to conduct studies in this area will have the opportunity to use this study as available literature that can be subjected to critical review. Invariably, the result of the study contributes immensely to the body of academic knowledge with regard to the implications of cyber crime on the socioeconomic development of Nigeria.

1.6 Scope Of The Study

The study is generally focused on public perception and the implications of cyber crime on the socioeconomic development of Nigeria. However, the study will further ascertain public perception on the causes of cyber crime in Nigeria. ascertain public perception of the forms of cybercrime in Nigeria and ascertain the impact of cybercrime on the socioeconomic development of Nigeria. This study will be limited to Bayelsa State.

1.7. Limitations Of The Study

In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, language barriers, and the attitude of the respondents.

In addition, there was the element of researcher bias. Here, the researcher possessed some biases that may have been reflected in the way the data was collected, the type of people interviewed or sampled, and how the data gathered was interpreted thereafter. The potential for all this to influence the findings and conclusions could not be downplayed. 

More so, the findings of this study are limited to the sample population in the study area; hence, they may not be suitable for use in comparison with other local governments, states, and other countries in the world.

1.8 Definition Of Terms

Crime: This is an intentional commission of an act usually deemed socially harmful or dangerous.

Cyber technology: This refers to a set of digital technologies based on emerging media (including virtual reality, social network, and multimedia), soft computing, cloud computing, and mobile computing.

Cyber Crime: Criminal activities carried out by means of computers or the internet.