Why Do We Like to Download Pirated Software and Files?
Piracy ads always compare piracy to stealing. We all know that stealing is wrong. It is against the law since the beginning of the civilization and you can be punished for that. In a way, stealing does feel the same with piracy if it is seen as taking something from someone without asking permission. However, when it comes to downloading software, mp3, movies, and games illegally from the internet, the case is more complex than that. Some people even will argue that it is not the same thing.
One of the most solid reasons is that when someone downloads something, he does not actually take anything away from the owner. The file is still intact in the owner’s possession. The downloader simply copies the original file and takes away the copy. Copying a file does not make the original file disappear. So there is nothing stolen really.
The second thought is that the downloader feels that he would not buy the software or game anyway, so they owner never really lose anything. If he cannot get it for free, they won’t buy it. Of course it is very easy to say that. However, no one can deny the fact that even if he WANTS to buy it, he will still download it illegally too. Why pay for something you can get for free anyway? And in the end, the owner does lose something he should earn in the first place.
