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Predicting self-protections of online privacy
1Department of Media and Communication, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong. mike.yao@cityu.edu.hk
Summary
This study explored psychological factors influencing online privacy protection. Findings support that social psychological processes significantly predict user adoption of online self-protection strategies.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Cybersecurity Behavior
Background:
- Online privacy is a growing concern for individuals.
- Understanding user behavior in adopting privacy strategies is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine social psychological processes influencing online privacy protection strategy adoption.
- To test a theoretical model based on the theory of planned behavior for predicting online self-protection.
Main Methods:
- Empirical study employing a theoretical model.
- Data collected via questionnaires over a ten-day period.
Main Results:
- The proposed model explained a significant portion (nearly a quarter) of the variability in actual online privacy strategy adoption.
- Psychological factors were found to be strong predictors of online self-protection.
Conclusions:
- Social psychological factors play a vital role in the adoption of online privacy protection strategies.
- The theory of planned behavior provides a useful framework for understanding online privacy behaviors.
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