NEW FORMS OF SOCIAL RISKS IN THE DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT: CYBER-DEVIATION AND VIRTUAL ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOR

Abstract

This study examines the emerging constructs of social risk within the digital ecosystem, focusing specifically on cyber-deviation and virtual antisocial behavior. Positioning these phenomena at the intersection of modern deviancology, digital sociology, criminology, and social psychology, the paper systematically analyzes how virtual anonymity, the "space of flows," and deindividuation alter human interaction and weaken traditional social control mechanisms. Applying a comprehensive theoretical framework-including network society theory, general strain theory, social learning theory, differential association, labeling theory, and situational crime prevention-the article establishes a three-tiered taxonomy of digital deviance: virtual asocial behavior, cyber-destructive action (both auto- and hetero-destructive), and virtual antisocial (criminal) conduct. Furthermore, it details the social-economic and moral-ethical ramifications of viral destructive content, moral desensitization, and digital alienation. Ultimately, the study advocates for a balanced strategy combining technological and situational prevention with enhanced digital literacy, digital empathy, and institutional rehabilitation.