Prof. Dr. Matea Kos Koklić, a professor at the University of Ljubljana, provided a fascinating insight into the darker sides of digital consumption as part of the International Researcher Lecture Series at FERNFH. The online lecture delved into the psychological mechanisms behind digital hoarding and piracy, highlighting how these behaviors impact both individual and societal life.
Psychological Ownership – Why Do We Collect Digital Content?
A central theme of Kos Koklić lecture was the concept of "psychological ownership." This refers to the feeling of owning digital content such as movies, music, or software—despite having no legal claim to it. These "feelings of ownership" lead to digital hoarding, where users accumulate large amounts of content without ever deleting it. However, this seemingly harmless habit goes beyond just storage issues. Digital hoarding also has psychological consequences, as it is linked to the fear of missing out and the desire to maintain control over one's collection.
The lecture’s organizer and Principal Investigator for research projects, Priv. Doz. Mag. Dr. Eva Hofmann, was particularly intrigued by this topic: “What fascinated me most was the aspect of hoarding digital media—whether photos, music, or other files. It demonstrates how deeply our digital consumption behavior is shaped by psychological mechanisms.”
Digital Piracy – More Than Just a Legal Violation
Kos Koklić also addressed digital piracy in her lecture, a topic that especially affects younger generations. The urge for instant access to movies, music, and software—often coupled with the high costs of legal alternatives—explains the widespread prevalence of illegal downloads. Notably, Generation Z tends to consume digital content without a license more frequently. This raises not only legal concerns but also deeper ethical and economic questions.
How Cultural Factors Influence Our Digital Behavior
Another significant aspect of Kos Kolić’s research is cultural influences. Her study revealed that values such as individualism versus collectivism and uncertainty avoidance strongly shape behavior in the digital realm. For example, people from collectivist cultures tend to have greater ethical concerns about piracy, whereas digital hoarding is more common in individualistic cultures.
In her empirical study, Kos Koklić examined how the sense of ownership over digital content fosters both hoarding and piracy. The results showed that these behaviors lead to increased stress levels and negatively impact users’ psychological well-being.
Economic and Legal Implications – A Complex Issue
Finally, Kos Koklić pointed out that digital hoarding and piracy not only have personal consequences but also bring economic and legal ramifications. Given the increasing digitalization of our society, it is crucial to understand these phenomena and develop solutions to minimize their negative effects on society.