Third International Conference on Communication & Media Studies

Abstract

Recently, there has been a large influx of material depicting cybercriminals and hackers. Works in popular culture such as movies and television shows have all been taking advantage of this new entertainment vector, with each placing its own spin on the topic. This research examines the depiction of hackers in the media, as well as the hacking community’s perceptions on these media depictions. We accomplished these goals through two main techniques. First, a series of interviews were conducted at HOPE X in 2014. A total of twenty HOPE attendees were interviewed. All of the interviewees self-identified as hackers, and were asked about portrayals, stereotypes, and imagery of hackers in the media. In addition to these interviews, a comprehensive media content analysis was performed on a collection of films, documentaries, and television shows featuring hackers, for a total of eight media segments. The data collected from both the media analysis and the interview sessions were analyzed using a series of seven “media myths” (Wall, 2008): 1. Cybercrime is dramatic, dystopic, and futuristic. 2. Cyberspace is pathologically unsafe and criminogenic. 3. Hackers are omnipotent and all powerful. 4. Hackers have become a part of organized crime. 5. Cybercriminals are anonymous and cannot be tracked. 6. Cybercriminals go unpunished and get away with crimes. 7. Users are weak and need to be protected from themselves. Using these media myths as an analytical framework, this project offers a unique perspective on the intricate relationship between the media and the hacking community.