Psychological predictors of engagement in music piracy

ABSTRACT

The digital revolution has changed how consumers engage with music. The present study explored the potential psychological factors underpinning why many consumers engage in music piracy. 396 participants (71.00% female, M_age = 34.53) completed an online questionnaire. Preference for accessing music digitally was associated with more favourable attitudes towards music piracy, as was being male, and expressing low levels of conscientiousness. Concerning the uses and gratifications of using different formats to engage with music, music piracy was found to be a financially viable way of listening to music. Discussion focuses on the notion that recorded music is perceived as poor value for money, and this is considered distinct from the widespread perception that piracy is simply about getting free music.

KEYWORDS:

• Digital music
• listening
• piracy
• music engagement
• personality
• uses and gratifications

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to acknowledge Paula Sonja Karlsson for her assistance in preparing the research for publication.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Steven C. Brown

Dr Steven Caldwell Brown is an early career researcher at The University of Strathclyde, Scotland. His doctoral research was the first major psychological approach to understanding music piracy. He has wider interests in the cultural impact of the digital revolution on contemporary music listening practices, including the implications of music on health and wellbeing.

Amanda E. Krause

Dr Amanda E. Krause is a research fellow in the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music at The University of Melbourne. Her research interests include everyday listening habits, with an emphasis on the relationships between digital music, emerging web technologies, and well-being.