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Online and physical appropriation: evidence from a vignette experiment on copyright infringement

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  • Michal Krawczyk
  • Joanna Tyrowicz
  • Wojciech Hardy

Abstract

In this study, we use a vignette experiment to inquire which features of online piracy make it ethically discernible from traditional theft. We find that the actual loss incurred by a victim, and especially a loss of a physical object have particularly strong bearing on ethical evaluation. Interestingly, in contrast to the claims that norms are inherently rotten in computer-mediated interaction, the patterns of ethical judgment in the online and offline contexts are very similar. These are mostly the characteristics of the deed themselves that explain differences in ethical judgment and not a different perception of these characteristics in the online context. We interpret these findings in the context of legal regulations and the design of anti-piracy campaigns.

Suggested Citation

  • Michal Krawczyk & Joanna Tyrowicz & Wojciech Hardy, 2020. "Online and physical appropriation: evidence from a vignette experiment on copyright infringement," Behaviour and Information Technology, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 39(4), pages 481-496, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:tbitxx:v:39:y:2020:i:4:p:481-496
    DOI: 10.1080/0144929X.2019.1601771
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    JEL classification:

    • P45 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Other Economic Systems - - - International Linkages
    • P52 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Comparative Economic Systems - - - Comparative Studies of Particular Economies
    • C14 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General
    • O16 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Financial Markets; Saving and Capital Investment; Corporate Finance and Governance

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