The impact of cybercrime on students' social relationships amid COVID-19: A Ha'il University study

Abstract

This study examines the profound impact of cybercrime on the social dynamics of students at Ha'il University in Saudi Arabia during the tumultuous period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a carefully crafted and validated questionnaire and data collected from 110 participants, the study reveals nuanced shifts in relationships involving peers, instructors, and especially family members. The importance of understanding these shifts is underscored by the global increase in cyber activity during lockdowns. The findings reveal a pronounced and disturbing impact of cybercrime on family ties. Although the overall gender-based findings were mostly the same, female students showed a higher level of awareness in family-centered situations. This suggests that there are deeper implications for this group and points to the subtleties in society that may be influencing these views. In response to these troubling findings, the study presents a comprehensive set of recommendations. These include raising awareness of cybercrime among students and the wider community, pushing for the introduction of holistic policies and regulations against such crimes, and the essential embedding of cybercrime education within academic curricula. It also emphasizes the paramount need for robust support structures for victims, underscoring the importance of a holistic approach to combating the threat of cybercrime. The implementation of these strategies aims not only to curate a safer digital landscape but also to mitigate the ever-increasing detrimental effects of cybercrime on interpersonal relationships. The robust sample size coupled with meticulous methodology enhances the credibility and applicability of these findings, making this study a central reference point for future research efforts, policy formulation, educational strategies, and community outreach programs in an increasingly digital age.