| Sumario: | Given the rising incidence of digital sex crimes in South Korea, including upskirting and the dissemination of upskirting images and videos, this study aimed to examine whether two predictors, (1) pornography addiction and (2) maladaptive cognitions about the Internet (MCI), predict the perceived risk of recidivism among youth who were involved in digital sex offences. Using a cross-sectional survey of 324 South Korean youth on probation for digital sex offences, we investigated the role of pornography addiction and MCI in shaping perceptions of future involvement in digital sex offences. Most participants were boys (94%) and their average age was 16.63 years, ranging from 10 to 20 years. Multivariate analyses revealed that youth with higher levels of either pornography addiction or MCI reported a greater likelihood of recidivism during or after probation. Notably, MCI remained a significant predictor even after controlling for pornography addiction and other covariates, while pornography addiction became insignificant in the full model. Based on these findings, we suggest that probationary interventions should be designed and implemented in consideration of MCI and their relevance to the motivational or instrumental aspects of digital sex offences, particularly in homosocial online context. PRACTICE IMPACT STATEMENT: The role of maladaptive cognitions about the Internet should be considered when developing educational or training programmes that aim to reduce recidivism risk among youth on probation for digital sex offences. We highlight the need for intervention programmes that are designed to help youth reduce their heavy dependency on homosocial online interactions, as well as strengthen traditional social bonds within family and school contexts, focusing on a balanced online–offline engagement.
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