| Abstract [eng] |
The intention to illegally download digital content can be predicted by moral disengagement. The scientific literature is limited on whether this prognostic relationship can be influenced by the activation of moral identity. This study aimed to examine the links between moral identity, moral disengagement, and the intention to illegally download digital content. An experimental study was conducted with a final sample of 107 participants (70.09 % female) aged between 19 and 35 years. A Moral disengagement scale developed during a pilot study (N = 74) was used. A word search task was used to activate the moral identity of the experimental group (prime and control versions were used). Three hypothetical scenarios were used. The statements associated with them assessed the intention to illegally download digital content, the anticipated punishment, the anticipated guilt, and the perceived expected behaviour of others. Additionally, one item measured the perceived unethicality of illegal downloading, and another item measured the perceived appropriate severity of punishment. The results showed that stronger moral disengagement predicted greater intention to illegally download digital content and lower anticipated guilt for illegal downloading. Activation of moral identity had no effect on these associations. The findings revealed which variables may be associated with the intention to illegally download digital content. |
