The causes of the electronic extortion and the psychological and social effects associated with it

(a qualitative study)

Abstract

The current study aimed to reveal the causes of electronic extortion and the most important social and psychological effects that the victim may suffer from. To achieve the objectives of the study, the qualitative approach was used. The study sample consisted of (11) respondents who are working in the Sharjah Police and the Social Support Center in the Emirate of Sharjah (they are dealing directly with the victims of electronic extortion). They were intentionally selected, and the in-depth interview was used as a study tool.

The results of the study showed that the most important reasons for electronic extortion is excessive trust in strangers, lack of awareness, weak religious faith, absence of family control, family disintegration, and the victim's desire to leave and sever the relationship with the blackmailer. The study also concluded that the most common form of electronic extortion in the Emirate of Sharjah is financial and sexual extortion. And the most social effects that the victim may suffer from are:  a tendency to isolate, fear of shame and social stigma, and it may ontribute to family disintegration and the victim may be exposed to domestic violence. As for the psychological effects, they are loss of self-confidence in himself and those around him, feelings of anxiety, fear, stress, depression, self-blame, feelings of shame and remorse. He may suffer from a psychological disorder that requires specialized medical intervention and treatment, and his level of performance in study or work decreases and he may think of committing suicide.