Overall research findings of file sharing

Considering the behaviours, attitudes, mindsets and motivation levels of the file sharers they were categorized for easy understanding. This resulted in the creation of four different file sharing typologies. Zeal for the media content and level of technological experience were regarded as the primary drivers of behaviours, motivations and attitudes.

Generation File share
Children and young people below the age 18 who have grown using technology in school and home includes in the Generation File share category. Since they are constantly using computer for performing their class work and for entertainment, they have good technical know-how. Most of the young people and children have peer-driven interest in music. Children and young people always want to get the latest music before their friends and therefore they access music before its release. They access music and other contents in digital formats and consider CDs as conventional. Most of them download music online and store them digitally on their PC or portable music devices. Generation File-shares access unauthorized music content through file sharing applications. This trend in Generation File-shares is driven by the desire to get access to latest music. Children and young people can access digital music easily nowadays.

Accessing music through file sharing applications is accepted widely by children and young people. File sharing of unauthorized contents has become a widely accepted means instead of behaviour in the group. Children aged between 16 and 18, make use of unauthorised file sharing applications and sites to download albums while younger children download single music.

Awareness and understanding about the functionality of peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing sites are naïve in generation File-share. In most of the cases, these sites require uploading dimension for participation. Generation File-share uploads shared contents unconsciously and passively. Majority of them considers themselves as downloaders and not uploaders. If they have to ponder about the person who uploaded the content online, they point someone else and fail to understand the reason why they uploaded the contents.

Self-serving consumers
Adults and elderly people busy with lives and families fall in the Self-serving consumer section. This section of people relies on friends and family for technical advices. They access computer and technology for their basic purposes and if any doubt or need arises, they seek assistance and help from others. UK Chart music, Hollywood blockbuster films and popular series are watched by these people. Household entertainment needs has driven their media interest and they consider file unauthorized file sharing as an effective way to access contents.

In most cases, these people are introduced to the file sharing sites and applications by a family or friend. Until they have a bad experience or any problems, they will continue to use the particular file sharing application and site. They make use of CD and discs to store and transport the downloaded contents. Understanding about P2P file sharing process is moderate among Self-serving Consumers. Some of them understand how the whole process operates but are less aware of the options that will prevent others from downloading the contents from their shared files. They consider uploads are price paid for downloading contents. Self-serving consumers considers uploaders as those who upload original materials online to be downloaded by others and they separate themselves from uploaders.

Collectors
People of different age levels make up Collectors. They have good fund of technical know-how and great passion for contents. Passion towards particular contents is the driving force for the media interests. Interest in media has enabled them to develop a great knowledge and understanding about file sharing. Unauthorized file sharing helps them expand their knowledge in content. Before customers find an appropriate file sharing application or site, they try out different sites.

In this situation collectors actively and consciously upload contents to other file sharers with similar interests. They upload the downloaded files and not the original materials.

Cybertechies
Strong interest in technology is the driving factor for Cybertechies. People in this category are constantly exploring new technologies and the related challenges.
Cybertechies make use of the file sharing service to share contents such as films and TV series with their friends and family. Along with unauthorised File sharing they engage in activities like ‘jail breaking’, ‘Phones’, ‘chipping’ or ‘cracking’ games consoles and building computers. Another distinctive attribute of Cybertechies is that they don’t particular interest in any type of content. They enjoy a range of content.

Through P2P networks, Cybertechies upload unauthorised materials. However, they stay away from uploading original contents. The downloaded contents are shared to others using ‘Mobile Me’and ‘Dropbox’, USB drives and external hard drives. This section covers the different characteristics and behaviours of people in four file sharing typologies.