Examining the Role of Peer Influence and Self-Control on Downloading Behavior

The purpose of the present study is two-fold. First, the present study is designed to provide additional information about the link between off-line and virtual peers and music piracy. Second, the present study provides information about how off-line and virtual peers interact with self-control to understand music piracy. The results of this study show that low self-control has a link with digital piracy. This means that individuals who cannot resist temptation and do not see the consequences of their action have an increased likelihood to perform digital piracy, which is consistent with a growing literature in this area (Higgins et al. 2006 Higgins , G. , B. Fell , and A. Wilson . 2006 . “Digital Piracy: Assessing the Contributions of an Integrated Self-control Theory and Social Learning Theory.” Criminal Justice Studies: A Critical Journal of Crime, Law, and Society 19 : 3 – 22 .[Taylor & Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]; Higgins and Makin 2004a, 2004b; Higgins and Wilson 2006).