Measuring the Concept of Electronic Blackmail among University Students

Abstract

The current study aimed to identify:

1. 1. The level of students’ understanding of cyber extortion.


2. 2. The statistical significance of differences in cyber extortion according to the sex variable (male – female).

The scope of this research was limited to students of Al-Mustansiriyah University for the academic year (2024–2025) in Baghdad Governorate. The research population consisted of students from Al-Mustansiriyah University. The sample was drawn from students of the Colleges of Arts and Education at Al-Mustansiriyah University for the academic year (2024–2025) in Baghdad. Four departments were selected using a simple random sampling method, and (25) male and female students were chosen from each of the four departments, also using a simple random sampling method. It is worth noting that the main research sample was also used for statistical analysis.

To achieve the objectives of the present study, it was necessary to design an instrument that meets the psychometric properties of validity, reliability, and discrimination. After reviewing several previous studies and presenting a pilot questionnaire to the sample, the researcher developed a Cyber Extortion Scale consisting of (20) items. The scale’s response options were: (Strongly Agree, Slightly Agree, Strongly Disagree).

The findings of the present research revealed the following:

1-The overall mean score of the sample was higher than the hypothetical mean, with statistical significance. This indicates that the participants, as a whole, possess knowledge of the concept of cyber extortion.

2-There were no statistically significant differences according to the gender variable.

Based on the results of the present study, the researcher proposed a set of recommendations and suggestions