Possession of false identification has numerous reasons, and can impact the individual and community in a number of ways. Four different types of fake identifications exist, including expertly altered IDs, counterfeit licenses, stolen licenses, and valid but fraudulently obtained licenses. There are various reasons for people to buy fake IDs, and getting one can have an adverse impact on their own selves as well as on the community in general. One of the primary reasons for getting a fake ID is to get access to alcohol and other materials and activities that are otherwise restricted to people from that age group. Apart from drinking, getting a fake ID can also help underage persons smoke cigarettes, use the substance, and to secure their entry into clubs. High school and college students are ones who most commonly own fake IDs.
Owning a fake ID is typically considered a minor juvenile offence among the society. However, it is a crime under the law of the country. Therefore, the first way that it may impact the owners of fake IDs is by them getting caught and arrested, which would either lead to jail time or serious fines. This would result in a permanent criminal record of the offenders. Eventually, this could also cause expulsion of students from colleges, or loss of potential jobs. Moreover, damage to the reputation of the person is another adverse impact of purchasing fake IDs.
Since possession of false identification significantly increases the availability of alcohol to underage persons, it also raises the frequency and quantity of drinking among the youth. This has been concluded by a study published online. It further stated that approximately 66 percent of underage students used fake IDs and around a quarter of the time, they drank alcohol. (Arria et al. 834-843). Another study showed that when all other variables are controlled, ownership of false identification significantly affects heavy drinking in college. Resultantly, it also presents a public health problem. (Martinez, Rutledge and Sher 226-232). Also, a cross-sectional study exploring alcohol access concluded that young people aged fifteen to sixteen years who possess false IDs are at a significantly high risk of having hazardous alcohol consumption patterns and other related risks. (Morleo et al. 12).
The Center on Young Adult Health and Development, University of Maryland School of Public Health published a report that explained the adverse effects of heavy drinking in college. It states that substance abuse can impair the cognitive development of the students; they may have trouble concentrating or sleeping. The areas of the brain connected with memory and learning are also affected, resulting in poor planning and a bad memory. Moreover, it can also hinder their ability to acquire new skills, eventually holding them back from getting jobs in the competitive job market, hence impacting them on a greater scale. Damage to the liver and increased risks of cancer are other adverse effects of heavy drinking during adolescence.
Heavy drinking among students due to the possession of fake IDs can also adversely impact the community. Research has shown that underage alcohol consumption increases the likelihood of forcible sex offences or sexual assault. Furthermore, it can also result in other violent crimes like fights and other forms of physical assault. Therefore, the person using false identification as well as the community, in general, would suffer from its harmful effects.
Lastly, increased access to alcohol due to possession of fake IDs not only leads to further crimes but can also result in various legal problems by itself. Possession of false identification is a felony in all states and is punishable by imprisonment as well as heavy fines. Therefore, possession of false identification impacts everyone from the person using it to the society in general.
Works Cited
Arria, Amelia M. et al. "False Identification Use among College Students Increases the Risk for Alcohol Use Disorder: Results of a Longitudinal Study". Alcohol Clin Exp Res 38.3 (2013): 834-843. Web. 11 June 2016.
Martinez, Julia A., Patricia C. Rutledge, and Kenneth J. Sher. "Fake ID Ownership and Heavy Drinking In Underage College Students: Prospective Findings.” Psychology of Addictive Behaviors 21.2 (2007): 226-232. Web. 11 June 2016.
Morleo, Michela, et al. "Use Of Fake Identification To Purchase Alcohol Amongst 15-16 Year Olds: A Cross-Sectional Survey Examining Alcohol Access, Consumption, And Harm". Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 5.1 (2010): 12. Web. 11 June 2016.
