Digital drug dealing among young adults in Sweden : A social problem

Abstract: The aim of this study was to explore, through social workers' perspectives, the reasonsbehind the engagement of young adults in digital drug dealing in Sweden. The researchpurpose was also to explore the costs that digital drug dealing had brought to the lives ofthese young adults. As part of the study's qualitative approach, three professionals withexperience meeting this population were interviewed using semi-structured questions.The sample consisted of three social workers who hold experiences within the field ofsubstance abuse and have encountered digital drug dealers. Findings revealed that socialproblems had an impact on motivating young adults into digital drug dealing. The effectsof economic hardships and lack of integration and acculturation acted as stress factorsthat led young adults to cope in an illegal manner. Other motivations were young adults'need for financial gratitude and sensations of power. The development of social media,in addition, had facilitated the process of such decision-making. As a result, the costshave forced offenders to deal with internet blackmail, paranoia, and feelings of guilt.Moreover, the costs included offenders’ engagement of further criminal activities such asweapon possessions and physical violence. The findings were then connected to thechosen theoretical framework consisting of both strain and rational choice theories