THE STUDY ON THE IMPACT OF CYBERCRIME MOVIES ON CHENNAI YOUTH – A PILOT STUDY

Abstract

This pilot study explores the impact of cybercrime movies on the youth of Chennai, examining both the positive and negative effects these films have on their perceptions, behaviors, and attitudes towards cybercrime and cybersecurity. Through quantitative analysis, movies were classified based on their IMDb ratings from 2013 to 2023.  To narrow down the selection to 10 influential movies a Survey is taken among the Chennai Youth Audience. These films were then analyzed using qualitative methodology to identify recurring themes in the portrayal of hacking and cybercrime, and their influence on young viewers. The research reveals that while cybercrime movies can increase awareness about cybersecurity and inspire interest in ethical hacking, they also risk normalizing illegal activities and creating unrealistic expectations about hacking. The study underscores the need for balanced media consumption and the importance of guiding young viewers to differentiate between the dramatized depiction of cybercrime in films and real-world ethical practices. The findings emphasize the necessity for further research to develop strategies that mitigate the negative impacts and enhance the positive educational potential of cybercrime movies for youth.