An exploration of the relationship between MP3 player ownership and digital piracy

Abstract

A great deal of research has explored the impact of technology on human behavior, particularly the emergence of the Internet and computer technology to facilitate digital piracy. Few studies have, however, considered how portable digital music, or MP3, players facilitate or reduce involvement in piracy. This study explores the relationship between digital ownership and participation in digital piracy among a population of college students. The findings suggest that MP3 player ownership is significantly connected to piracy, along with deviant peer connections. In addition, there are significant differences in the beliefs and attitudes of owners and non?owners toward online deviance and piracy.