Policy Press

Onlife Criminology

Virtual Crimes and Real Harms

By Janos Szakolczai

Published

Jul 1, 2025

Page count

176 pages

Browse the series

New Horizons in Criminology

ISBN

978-1529235906

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Jul 1, 2025

Page count

176 pages

Browse the series

New Horizons in Criminology

ISBN

978-1529235920

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press
Onlife Criminology

Digital tools such as smart devices, personal trackers and social media have become part of daily life for many. ‘Onlife’ (online+life) criminology is the study of crime and social harm produced by the blurring lines between digital engagement and our everyday lives that we may not even be aware of.

From AI, security breaches to the proliferation of conspiracy theories, this thought-provoking book analyses the serious threats of surveillance, targeted indoctrination and abuse of personal data that can potentially affect us all. The book explores alternatives to the current situation and presents practical and more sustainable solutions for internet use.

Janos Mark Szakolczai is Sociology Lecturer in Criminology and Digital Societies at the University of Glasgow.

1. Introduction: Terms for Unprecedented Consent

2. Enter the Captaverse: a novel epistemological analysis of data & harm

3. Smart Surveillance of All

4. Not So Friendly

5. Corporation of Harm

6. Toxic Onlife Infowarfare

7. Virtualgia of Creeping Abnormalities

8. Obscuring Memory: Hard Reset of Limitless Boundaries