A CASE STUDY ABOUT SELF-INTEREST OVER SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OF AN INDIVIDUAL: THE CONTEXT OF ETHICAL EGOISM AMONG DATA HACKERS

Abstract

This study aimed to understand the common misconception that data hackers are solely concerned with their self-interest and determine whether they put self-interest ahead of societal duty. Interviews and observations were utilized in two Discord communities focusing on White hat hackers to identify the motivation of the data hackers. Based on the outcome of the study, social responsibility is typical in white hat hackers. It also showed that ethical hacker members did not tolerate unethical behavior inside the Discord communities. The study also highlights a different kind of motivation including personal interest, creativity, and a social responsibility to online security. The results showed that data hackers are not only motivated by their self-interest; this study illustrates that a substantial number of hackers are motivated by social responsibility, especially white hat hackers.