Information and cognitive technologies in the mechanism of digital victimization

Introduction: the article covers the study of the influence of informational and cognitive technologies on victims of cyber crimes. Materials and Methods: the study is based on a general dialectical method of cognition, which involves the analysis of the processes of digital victimization in its entirety of the interconnections of social relations, including the links between the development of information and cognitive technologies and their use for involvement in criminal and victimized dangerous activities, as well as general and special methods of knowledge. The empirical basis of the study was the results of a content analysis of information resources containing information about the commission of crimes due to victimization of users, formed using information and cognitive technologies. Results: information and cognitive technologies provide almost unlimited possibilities for studying a person in terms of understanding and perceiving the world, analyzing behavior in offline and online environments; prospects for the hidden formation of an understanding by the user of what information he needs are opened; not only conscious network behavior is formed, but also unconscious behavioral reactions. Information and cognitive technologies can be combined with other technologies aimed at user victimization. Discussion and Сonclusions: the role of information and cognitive technologies in the mechanism of digital victimization is determined both by the processes of transferring information to a person (an indefinite circle of persons), the perception of which can determine or increase his victimization, and by the ability to form or change (including at a subconscious level) a person’s worldview, to correct their behavioral habits and practices, both at the individual and at the mass level.