Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities

Analysis of agency and structure in virtual platforms; Exploring cyberstalking through the lens of Situational Action Theory

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

Saeed Kabiri
Mehdi Hosseinzadeh Feremi

Faculty Member , Institute for Cultural, Social and Civilizational Studies, Ministry of Science, Research and Technology,

https://doi.org/10.22035/isih.2025.5340.5054
Abstract
Cyberstalking, which is represented by the improper use of communication technologies to harass, threaten, or harassingly monitor other users, is considered one of the emerging forms of destructive behaviors in social networks. The present study, using the situational action theory, examined this phenomenon and the factors affecting it. The main goal of this study is to identify the effects of moral values, self-control, perceived deterrence, and moral context on the occurrence of cyberstalking in the duality of agency and structure. The research method is descriptive-correlational and the statistical population includes students at the University of Tehran. Using multi-stage cluster sampling, 304 students from the faculties of the University of Tehran were selected. The research tools include scales of cyberstalking, moral values, self-control, situational morality, and perceived deterrence. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling in SmartPLS software version 4. The findings showed that Both propensity to deviance (beta coefficient: 0.41) and criminogenic setting (beta coefficient: 0.37) were significantly associated with cyberstalking perpetration. The moderating effect of propensity to deviance on the relationship between criminogenic setting and cyberstalking perpetration (beta coefficient: 0.17) was also significant. The findings indicate the simultaneous importance of agency - moral values and self-control - and structure - the situational morality and perceived deterrence - in the occurrence of cyberstalking. Accordingly, designing educational and cultural interventions with the aim of promoting moral values and strengthening self-control among students seems necessary. Also, a review of supervisory and educational policies is recommended to create a healthier environment in cyberspace.

Keywords

Situational Action Theory
cyberstalking
propensity to deviance
criminogenic setting

Subjects

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  • Receive Date 23 November 2024
  • Revise Date 12 February 2025
  • Accept Date 23 February 2025

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