New findings from a recent study suggest a prevalent trend among affluent young adults known as ‘digital shoplifting’, a modern and illicit favorite among this demographic. This term does not refer to the traditional method of smuggling stolen goods out from physical stores, but rather to the dishonest activities being executed over the internet. The investigative study has discovered a surprising complacency in regards to this digital misdemeanor scenario among the affluent young population. The tactics employed in these digital thefts are multifaceted and innovatively devised.
One common tactic is to falsely claim compensation when purchasing items online. Once the purchased product arrives, the individual asserts that it was either ‘stolen’ or ‘not received’, therefore provoking a refund. Additionally, some of these shoppers dispute payment with their banking institutions or credit card providers. The results from the survey indicate that around 55% of Gen Z and 49% of millennials with annual incomes exceeding $100,000 admitted to having committed such activities in the past year, contrasting starkly with a mere 3% of baby boomers.
The motivations behind this electronic pilfering range from moral indifference to misguided idealisation of the crime. Among those engaging in this activity, there seems to be a conspicuous lack of remorse. For some reason, younger Americans resort to digital theft supported by a variety of justifications. Apparently, they ‘rationalize their actions as inevitable or permissible considering the present economic climate’. There seems to be a consensus among this cohort that their actions are a necessity or even somewhat commendable.
It is undeniable that the economic difficulties faced by younger generations, particularly Gen Z, could be partially influencing this trend. Statistically, this demographic has become the least affluent in the society, faced with severe financial struggles. This economic hardship, some believe, makes pseudo-theft practices like digital shoplifting understandable, even tagging it as a form of ‘customer advocacy’. Ultimately, this socio-economic backdrop allows young shoppers to rationalize their illicit practice.
Another contributing factor is the influence of social media celebrities who popularize and demonstrate these deceitful activities to their followers. Gen Z, in particular, are significantly ‘susceptible to online figures who endorse counterfeited ‘hacks’ and portray them as simple actions’. Learning about these digital scams on social media platforms seems to play a considerable role in promoting such activities, hinting they may not have even considered it in the absence of such exposure.
A large number of younger Americans perceive digital shoplifting as a victimless crime or in some cases, not perceivable as a crime at all. Survey findings reveal that around 63% of people who commit first-party fraud attest that big corporations have adequate resources to bear the burden of their fraudulent claims. With this mindset, they argue there’s essentially no harm done especially when the targets are mammoth entities like Amazon.
The study also shed light on the economic struggles exacerbating the situation – around 73% of young adults perceive the present economic context as a considerable barrier to saving money. The increasing burden of housing expenses, student debts, and ascending prices of daily life necessities only added to this struggle. Furthermore, salaries have remained largely stagnant, leaving these young workers in difficult financial straits.
The bleak financial picture becomes even more apparent when considering the average Gen Z wage, which currently stands at a paltry $60,000 annually. This amount, once substantial, now barely suffices to enable comfortable living, contributing to the justification for illicit online activities. Still, many of these young people are reluctant to entirely forgo recreational shopping.
The need for maintaining a certain lifestyle, coupled with the harsh economic reality, often drives many young individuals towards online theft. In pursuit of a life of luxury that the economy makes near impossible, they resort to unscrupulous acts on the digital front. Hence, young adults are caught between the desire to enjoy life and the financial constraints that necessitate these digital thefts.