Public Legal Consciousness Regarding Online Credit Agreements from Civil Law and Consumer Protection Perspectives

Abstract

The rapid expansion of online credit services has introduced novel legal relationships, yet public legal consciousness regarding digital agreements remains insufficiently understood. This study examines legal consciousness among online credit users through the lenses of civil law and consumer protection. Utilizing a qualitative literature review, the research analyzes key dimensions: knowledge of norms, understanding of content, attitudes toward provisions, and behavioral conformity. The analysis reveals that low legal consciousness is manifested in the tendency to accept agreements without reading, ignorance of consumer rights, and passive responses to legal issues. These levels of awareness are influenced by digital literacy, education, risk perception, and cultural values. The existing gap between formal legal protections and actual public awareness creates significant vulnerabilities for users. To address this, the study suggests that strengthening legal consciousness requires a multi-faceted approach, including targeted education, improved user interface designs for digital contracts, enhanced regulatory supervision, and accessible dispute resolution mechanisms. This comprehensive strategy is essential to ensure a more secure and equitable digital lending ecosystem.