Some suppose that the implementation of advanced technology will reduce crime occurrence, whereas there are others who think that improving technology will only exacerbate the problem by creating more opportunities for criminals to commit offences. This essay will discuss both perspectives and explain why I believe that modern technology is not responsible for rising crime rates.
On the one hand, technological development can create new opportunities for digital offences. Our electronic devices serve as essential tools in our everyday life, but their enhancement may foster new schemes of cybercrime such as fraud and data breaches. For example, the Internet provides anonymity which allows criminals to trade illegal goods on the darknet markets remotely, without exposing their identity. However, I am of the opinion that high-quality AI and security systems that are being developed are playing an important part in detecting cybercrime faster and protecting users online.
On the other hand, there is still insufficient evidence that technology development is linked to criminals’ behaviour as most offences are mainly provoked by a complex mix of other factors including psychological traits, poverty and social inequality. For instance, crime existed long before modern technology. Looking back further through history, society was far more violent in the past compared to today, as more homicide and serious crime occurred due to the class inequality and starvation caused by poor harvest. Therefore, societies tend to experience higher levels of violence at that time, regardless of the technological availability.
In conclusion, digital crime remains a serious problem that needs to be addressed. However, I firmly believe that technological development is not the main cause of rising crime rates, as it is largely rooted in historical and socio economic conditions.