Flow in Computer Hacking: A Model

In this study hackers’ motivation is investigated, using the flow paradigm. It was hypothesized that flow increases with the increase of hackers’ competence in the IT use. An on-line research was administered within the Russian-speaking community (N=457). The hypothesis was not confirmed: the relationship between hackers’ experience and flow is more complicated than the straightforward correlation. Periods of flow experience are changed by periods of flow crisis and then - of flow renovation. A model of hackers’ motivational development was presented. Possible measures for preventing the criminal hacking were suggested.