Doxing and Doxees: A Qualitative Analysis of Victim Experiences and Responses

2023 | European Conference On Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Franz, Anjuli; Thatcher, Jason

Abstract: Doxing, a form of adversarial online behavior, is the aggregation and release o ... Expand

Abstract: Doxing, a form of adversarial online behavior, is the aggregation and release of an individual's personal information with malicious intent. It is increasingly used to intimidate, punish, or silence individuals. Such weaponization of personal information can result in extreme and intertwined cyber harassment and physical threats, significantly affecting doxees' participation in both cyber and physical communities. While prior research has examined the underlying motives of the doxer, the doxee's perspective has remained largely unexplored. Drawing on data from 14 individuals who have experienced doxing, this study examines the consequences of doxing from the doxee's point of view. Employing the lens of approach and avoidance coping, we explore how doxees respond to doxing threats and adapt their behavior. Our research provides novel insight and themes related to doxing. Based on our analysis, we offer an agenda for information systems (IS) research and practice, paving the way for exploring doxing and potential remedies. Collapse

Topics: doxing social media privacy Reddit 4chan

Methods: survey qualitative interview theory development personal interview archival research

When Stablecoin is No Longer Stable - A Case Study on the Failure of TerraUSD

2023 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Nurbaev, Vladimir; Au, Cheuk Hang; Chou, Chih-Yuan

Abstract: Comparing to other price-volatile cryptocurrencies, stablecoins provide a relia ... Expand

Abstract: Comparing to other price-volatile cryptocurrencies, stablecoins provide a reliable way to store value and make transactions, and thus are more suitable for daily-life usage and investment risk control. However, there remains a lack of understanding of how stablecoin can gain success. This may lead to the introduction of stablecoins based on uninformed proposals, which may eventually fail. In turn, owners of these stablecoins may suffer from significant financial losses. Using theories of Information Systems and digital startups failures as the theoretical foundation, our study identified four underlying factors (lack of scarcity, lack of fiat reserve backup, decentralization, and failure of value creation) and two triggers (massive selling by major investors and algorithm malfunction) behind the collapse of a stablecoin, based on the case of TerraUSD's collapse. Our findings provide implications for stablecoins issuers to prioritize maintenance and foster user adoption, thus increasing the likelihood of success of stablecoins. Collapse

Topics: stablecoin value creation backup digital entrepreneurship social media

Methods: qualitative coding case study field study netnography business process modeling

The Professionalization of Hackers: A Content Analysis of 30 Years of Hacker Communication

2023 | Communications of the Association for Information Systems | Citations: 2

Authors: Ulrich, Frank; Müller, Sune; Flowers, Stephen

Abstract: Underground hacking has evolved from its early countercultural roots to become ... Expand

Abstract: Underground hacking has evolved from its early countercultural roots to become a complex and varied phenomenon. By combining a historical review of the literature with a content analysis of 30 years of underground hacker communication, we show that hacking has evolved in three waves to embrace learning and creativity, intrusion and crime, as well as politics and cyberwarfare. We uncover a paradoxical relationship between hackers and society at large where underground hacking is considered a digital crime while at the same time inspiring and driving corporate innovation, cybersecurity, and even cyberwarfare. The outcome of our research provides a nuanced picture of the hacker underground by highlighting differences between competing discursive themes across time. Moreover, by translating these themes into a set of six contrasting personas of IS professionals, we discuss how knowledge, technologies, and creative practices of underground hackers are being professionalized. We use this discussion to provide implications and a research agenda for IS studies in cybersecurity, innovation, and cyberwarfare. Collapse

Topics: innovation management IT security criminality cyberwarfare IT workforce

Methods: qualitative content analysis theory development synthesis archival research literature study

Theories: management theory

Negative Behaviors in Online Communities

2016 | Americas Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Chipidza, Wallace

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to examine the phenomenon of negative behaviors in ... Expand

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to examine the phenomenon of negative behaviors in online communities. We focus specifically on communities characterized by anonymity, such as Reddit, 4chan, and Voat. Our research aims to understand these negative behaviors at the individual, community, and organization levels of analysis. Collapse

Topics: online community 4chan anonymity Reddit

“On Here, I’m Team Jacob:” Exploring Feelings of Belongingness in Virtual Communities

2016 | Americas Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Wade, Julie T; Thatcher, Jason

Abstract: Virtual communities have become important for enthusiasts to meet, share, and ex ... Expand

Abstract: Virtual communities have become important for enthusiasts to meet, share, and express their affection for a wide range of products, ideas, and brands. While virtual communities have been studied previously, the literature is lacking a perspective on virtual communities surrounding products, ideas and brands that users are embarrassed to admit they care about (that is, that they have a negative public affiliation towards), but that nonetheless are a representation of the user’s identity (brand congruity). This study presents a research model positing that, within a virtual community environment, feelings of negative affiliation and brand congruity will influence users’ feelings of belonging to the virtual community, and negative public affiliation will also moderate the relationship between brand congruity and belongingness. Our results indicate significant relationships between negative public affiliation and brand congruity with feelings of belongingness. Our study has implications for the field, as well as for practitioners. Collapse

Topics: online community social media anonymity marketing management usability

Methods: survey SEM tool structural equation modeling mixed method general multivariate regression model

Theories: organizational behavior theory