Virtual Peer Effects in Social Learning Theory

Abstract

The current study examines the differential influence of face-to-face and virtual peers in predicting digital and traditional offending among college students through the lens of social learning theory (SLT). SLT components are explored to discern whether the theory holds for virtual peers, as it has for face-to-face peers using a structural equation modeling framework, thus making a substantial contribution to the social learning literature. Findings provide some support for SLT for both virtual only peers and the face-to-face peers model in relation to digital as well as traditional offending. In addition, findings suggest that virtual peer associations may be as important as traditional peer associations in explaining certain types of deviant behavior.

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