Add BrightSurf on Google Email

FAU study finds some dark web users share traits with those involved in crime

A recent FAU study found that individuals with prior criminal behavior, low self-control, and favorable attitudes toward deviance are more likely to access the dark web. The research highlights the importance of understanding who accesses this platform and why, particularly for those intending to engage in illicit activities.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Crime and Justice·TypeSurvey·DateApr 1, 2026

“Autoplay got me there”: How YouTube’s algorithm built a following for fascist group Patriotic Alternative

A study by City St George's criminologist Dr Tony Karas found that social media, particularly YouTube, was crucial in the radicalization process for 40 PA activists. The platform's autoplay function nudged them towards more extreme content, often with ethnonationalist views.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalStudies in Conflict and Terrorism·TypeContent analysis·DateJan 20, 2026

Alcohol, cocaine use, and cigarette use are positively correlated with problematic pornography use (PPU), though studies saw no significant correlation between use of other substances and PPU, finds scoping review

A recent scoping review found a positive correlation between alcohol, cocaine use, and cigarette use with problematic pornography use (PPU). The study suggests that individuals using these substances are more likely to exhibit PPU behaviors.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateNov 12, 2025

New research can help luxury brands counter the appeal of counterfeit goods

New research suggests that educating low-knowledge luxury consumers about the appeal of counterfeit goods can help combat the trillion-dollar counterfeit market. Consumers with high subjective knowledge in this domain are less likely to partake in counterfeits, while those with lower knowledge are more drawn to them.

SourceLehigh University·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2025

How to deal with narcissists at home and at work

Narcissists can be charming early on, but subtle signs indicate a need to get out of the relationship. Brunell discusses how researchers have learned to understand and cope with narcissists in various settings, including workplaces. Strategies for setting clear boundaries and managing situations are also shared.

SourceOhio State University·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 19, 2024

New research finds employees feel pressure to work while sick, which has been shown to cost companies billions

New research finds that employees who feel pressure to work while sick experience deviant behaviors like theft and mistreatment of coworkers. The cost of such behavior, known as 'presenteeism,' can be staggering, with annual losses estimated at up to $150 billion.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalJournal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateSep 13, 2024

Giving video games this Christmas? New research underlines need to be aware of loot box risks

A new study by the University of Plymouth shows that at-risk individuals are more likely to engage with loot boxes than those without, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement around these features. The research found that loot box use is driven by beliefs such as 'I'll win in a minute', echoing the psychology seen in gambling.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 20, 2023

Controlled cruelty: New study from VCU finds aggression can arise from successful self-control

A new study by VCU researcher David Chester found that aggression is not always the product of poor self-control, but rather can be the result of successful self-control to inflict greater retribution. The study argues for a more nuanced view of aggression and challenges common interventions aimed at reducing violence.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalSocial and Personality Psychology Compass·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 13, 2023

When bosses are abusive, how employees interpret their motives makes a difference: study

A new UBC Sauder School of Business study shows that employees' perceptions of their supervisor's motivations significantly influence their emotional responses, leading to different behaviors. When subordinates believe their leaders are pushing them to improve performance, they experience guilt, which triggers more positive organizatio...

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateJul 8, 2021

Police officers' exposure to peers accused of misconduct shapes their subsequent behavior

A Northwestern University study found that police officers who had colleagues previously named in use-of-force complaints were more likely to be named in subsequent complaints. The researchers recommend police departments consider the impact of assigning officers with histories of using excessive force on other officers' behavior.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCriminology & Public Policy·DateAug 1, 2019

Do stress and strain lead to deviant behavior?

A recent study found that individuals experiencing stress and strain are more likely to engage in deviant behavior such as gambling and substance abuse. The research, conducted by Romy Greco and Antonietta Curci, analyzed the effects of family influences on younger people's coping strategies.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Gambling Studies·DateNov 22, 2016

Cyber thieves making millions in profits

A study published in the journal Deviant Behavior estimates that cybercrime profits are in the hundreds of millions, with sellers making between $250,000 to $1 million per batch of 50 stolen cards. Buyers can earn up to $8 million by using the stolen cards, highlighting a lucrative global criminal enterprise.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalDeviant Behavior·DateFeb 16, 2016

Parental guidelilnes, consequences may be why fewer black teens smoke than whites

A University of Washington study found that black teens are less likely to start smoking as adolescents due to parental guidelines and consequences. Teens who associate with deviant peers are more likely to smoke, regardless of race. Parents can reduce their teen's likelihood of smoking by setting clear guidelines and maintaining a str...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateMay 14, 2009

Sexual knowledge and attitudes of men with intellectual disability who sexually offend

Researchers investigated whether individuals with intellectual disabilities who commit sexual offenses have poorer sexual knowledge than those who do not. The study found that Type I offenders, characterized by deviant ideas about sexuality, had more sexual knowledge than a matched group of non-offenders. In contrast, Type II offenders...

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability·DateOct 23, 2007

Status of adolescent peer groups plays role in understanding groups influence on early teen behavior

A new study found that popular peer groups have a profound influence on early teen behavior, causing children to become more similar in behavior to their group members. Conversely, well-liked groups have little impact, except for adolescents who are part of disliked groups, which can lead to increased deviant behavior.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateJul 20, 2007