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1 – 10 of over 1000
Article
Publication date: 6 August 2024

Matthew Heinrich and Natalie Gerhart

While research on privacy concerns is rich in understanding and depth, there is still not a clear understanding of why people express having privacy concerns, but do not behave…

Abstract

Purpose

While research on privacy concerns is rich in understanding and depth, there is still not a clear understanding of why people express having privacy concerns, but do not behave consistently with their concern. We propose that this misalignment derives from a diverse set of privacy boundaries, depending on the user. This research builds on prior Communication Privacy Management Theory research to further define individual privacy boundaries. Beyond that, we evaluate the relationship between the privacy boundaries people set, and their ability to protect themselves.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted to assess how private individuals find twenty items. Along with measuring the sensitivity of information, we collected responses on the Online Privacy Information Literacy test to measure differences in sensitivity based on privacy knowledge. 285 participant’s responses were evaluated using exploratory factor analysis and K-means clustering.

Findings

We identify five different groups of privacy indicators. Our findings also suggest that users have limited understanding of how to keep data private, even if they have high privacy concerns.

Originality/value

We contribute to theory by offering guidance on how to better apply theoretical understanding, based on our results. More explicitly, we offer analysis that suggests boundary conditions might be absent from current theoretical understanding. Practically, we offer guidance for understanding privacy differences, which is important to understanding how to implement privacy protection laws.

Details

Online Information Review, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1468-4527

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 June 2024

Ruihe Yan, Xiang Gong, Haiqin Xu and Qianwen Yang

A wealth of studies have identified numerous antecedents to online self-disclosure. However, the number of competing theoretical perspectives and inconsistent findings have…

Abstract

Purpose

A wealth of studies have identified numerous antecedents to online self-disclosure. However, the number of competing theoretical perspectives and inconsistent findings have hampered efforts to obtain a clear understanding of what truly influences online self-disclosure. To address this gap, this study draws on the antecedent-privacy concern-outcome (APCO) framework in a one-stage meta-analytical structural equation modeling (one-stage MASEM) study to test a nomological online self-disclosure model that assesses the factors affecting online self-disclosure.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the one-stage MASEM technique, this study conducts a meta-analysis of online self-disclosure literature that comprises 130 independent samples extracted from 110 articles reported by 53,024 individuals.

Findings

The results reveal that trust, privacy concern, privacy risk and privacy benefit are the important antecedents of online self-disclosure. Privacy concern can be influenced by general privacy concern, privacy experience and privacy control. Furthermore, moderator analysis indicates that technology type has moderating effects on the links between online self-disclosure and some of its drivers.

Originality/value

First, with the guidance of the APCO framework, this study provides a comprehensive framework that connects the most relevant antecedents underlying online self-disclosure using one-stage MASEM. Second, this study identifies the contextual factors that influence the effectiveness of the antecedents of online self-disclosure.

Details

Internet Research, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1066-2243

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 June 2024

Ana Alina Tudoran

This study aims to analyze and synthesize literature on consumer privacy-related behavior and intelligent device-to-device interactions within the Internet of Things (IoT).

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to analyze and synthesize literature on consumer privacy-related behavior and intelligent device-to-device interactions within the Internet of Things (IoT).

Design/methodology/approach

We conducted a systematic review using Elsevier’s Scopus database, focusing on studies published in English from 2000 to 2023. The review targeted articles within selected social sciences and business disciplines, specifically concerning consumer behavior in IoT contexts.

Findings

We categorized the privacy literature into three thematic clusters: legislation and policy, business implications and consumer behavior. Within the consumer behavior cluster, our analysis indicates a shift from general Internet and e-commerce privacy concerns prior to 2016, toward issues related to advertising and policy between 2017 and 2018, and increasingly toward pronounced concerns in technological systems, particularly IoT, from 2019 onwards. We identify eight distinct areas of privacy concern within IoT and propose a framework that links antecedents and privacy concerns to subsequent attitudes and behaviors. This framework highlights varying patterns of information disclosure and bridges theoretical constructs with empirical research in IoT privacy.

Originality/value

Originality lies in enhancing the Antecedents-Privacy Concerns-Outcomes (APCO) macro-model by integrating diverse theoretical perspectives on technological and individual-specific antecedents, alongside privacy concerns and beliefs. This comprehensive integration enriches the framework, enabling it to predict and categorize consumer behavior in IoT environments more effectively. The revised model provides a robust tool for understanding privacy-related behavior within the IoT, significantly enriching its theoretical relevance and practical applicability.

Details

Internet Research, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1066-2243

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 March 2024

Haroon Iqbal Maseeh, Charles Jebarajakirthy, Achchuthan Sivapalan, Mitchell Ross and Mehak Rehman

Smartphone apps collect users' personal information, which triggers privacy concerns for app users. Consequently, app users restrict apps from accessing their personal…

199

Abstract

Purpose

Smartphone apps collect users' personal information, which triggers privacy concerns for app users. Consequently, app users restrict apps from accessing their personal information. This may impact the effectiveness of in-app advertising. However, research has not yet demonstrated what factors impact app users' decisions to use apps with restricted permissions. This study is aimed to bridge this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a quantitative research method, the authors collected the data from 384 app users via a structured questionnaire. The data were analysed using AMOS and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA).

Findings

The findings suggest privacy concerns and risks have a significant positive effect on app usage with restricted permissions, whilst reputation, trust and perceived benefits have significant negative impact on it. Some app-related factors, such as the number of apps installed and type of apps, also impact app usage with restricted permissions.

Practical implications

Based on the findings, the authors provided several implications for app stores, app developers and app marketers.

Originality/value

This study examines the factors that influence smartphone users' decisions to use apps with restricted permission requests. By doing this, the authors' study contributes to the consumer behaviour literature in the context of smartphone app usage. Also, by explaining the underlying mechanisms through which the principles of communication privacy management theory operate in smartphone app context, the authors' research contributes to the communication privacy management theory.

Details

Information Technology & People, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-3845

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 July 2022

Sobia Bano, Muhammad Zeeshan Mirza, Marva Sohail and Muhammad Umair Javaid

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic has given an upsurge to online retailing in Pakistan. This shift has escalated the issues about privacy concerns among consumers…

Abstract

Purpose

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic has given an upsurge to online retailing in Pakistan. This shift has escalated the issues about privacy concerns among consumers. Keeping in view the growing concerns, the objective of this study is to investigate customer patronage in online shopping and the role of privacy concerns in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

To generalize the relationship between antecedents and outcomes of privacy concerns, a cross-disciplinary macro model was used. Data were collected through a survey method from the consumers who used credit and debit cards during online shopping.

Findings

Results show that government regulations have a significant positive relationship with privacy concerns and customer patronage. Privacy concerns are found to have a significant negative relationship with organizational ethical care while customer patronage was found to have a significant positive relationship with organizational ethical care. Customer patronage was also found to have a significant negative relationship with privacy concerns. Privacy concerns mediated the relationship between government regulations and customer patronage, whereas privacy concerns does not mediate the relationship between organizational ethical care and customer patronage.

Originality/value

The research adds to the existing literature and highlights the customer behavior toward online shopping/e-commerce in developing economies. The research gives a direction to stakeholders to counter privacy concerns and ensure safer e-commerce practices.

Details

EuroMed Journal of Business, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1450-2194

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 September 2024

Hoai Lan Duong, Minh Tung Tran, Thi Kim Oanh Vo and Thi Kim Cuc Tran

This paper aims to investigate the extent of personal privacy concerns expressed by university students in Vietnam while using TikTok, the influence of peer interactions and…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the extent of personal privacy concerns expressed by university students in Vietnam while using TikTok, the influence of peer interactions and social norms on privacy attitudes and behaviors and the strategies used by university students in Vietnam to mitigate privacy risks on TikTok.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews was used to gather data on the following: the degree to which Vietnamese university students express concerns about their personal privacy while using TikTok; how peer interactions and social norms influence privacy attitudes and behaviors; and the strategies these students use to mitigate privacy risks on the platform.

Findings

Findings indicate that although university students exhibit a relatively low level of concern regarding their personal privacy on TikTok, peer influences and societal norms significantly shape their attitudes and behaviors on the platform. Moreover, students use several strategies to mitigate privacy risks, such as selective content sharing and refraining from engaging with unknown links.

Practical implications

These insights provide valuable implications for the development of targeted interventions and educational initiatives aimed at fostering a more privacy-conscious TikTok user community among university students in Vietnam.

Originality/value

This research fills a critical gap in the existing literature by focusing on the influence of social norms and peer influences on privacy attitudes and behaviors on social media platforms. While prior studies have explored various factors impacting privacy concerns on social media, the role of social dynamics has been understudied. Moreover, the research specifically addresses the lack of investigation into privacy concerns on TikTok, a platform rapidly gaining popularity among younger demographics.

Details

Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-996X

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 1 April 2024

Basmah Almekhled and Helen Petrie

This study investigated the attitudes and concerns of Saudi higher educational institution (HEI) academics about privacy and security in online teaching during the COVID-19…

Abstract

Purpose

This study investigated the attitudes and concerns of Saudi higher educational institution (HEI) academics about privacy and security in online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Online Questionnaire questionnaire was designed to explore Saudi HEI academic’s attitudes and concerns about privacy and security issues in online teaching. The questionnaire asked about attitudes and concerns held before the pandemic and since the pandemic. The questionnaire included four sections. At the beginning of the questionnaire, participants were asked what the phrase “online privacy and security” meant to them, to gain an initial understanding of what it meant to academics. A definition for what we intended for the survey was then provided: “that a person’s data, including their identity, is not accessible to anyone other than themselves and others whom they have authorised and that their computing devices work properly and are free from unauthorised interference” (based on my reading of a range of sources, e.g. Schatz et al., 2017; Steinberg, 2019; NCS; Windley, 2005). This was to ensure that participants did understand what I was asking about in subsequent sections.

Findings

This study investigated the attitudes and concerns of Saudi HEI academics about privacy and security in online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings provide several key insights: Key aspects of online privacy and security for Saudi HEI academics: Saudi HEI academic’s notion of online privacy and security is about the protection of personal data, preventing unauthorized access to data and ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of data. This underscores the significance of robust measures to safeguard sensitive information in online teaching, but also the need to make academics aware of the other aspects of online privacy and security. Potential to improve policies and training about online privacy and security in Saudi HEIs: Although many participants were aware of the online privacy and security policies of their HEI, only a small percentage had received training in this area. Thus, there is a need to improve the development and dissemination of policies and to provide academics with appropriate training in this area and encourage them to take available training. Use of videoconferencing and chat technologies and cultural sensitivities: The study highlighted moderate levels of concern among Saudi HEI academics regarding the use of videoconferencing and online chat technologies, and their concerns about cultural factors around the use of these technologies. This emphasizes the need for online teaching and the growing use of technologies in such teaching to respect cultural norms and preferences, highlighting the importance of fostering a culturally sensitive approach to technology deployment and use. Surprising low webcam use: An unexpected finding is the low use of webcams by both academics and students during online teaching sessions, prompting a need for a deeper understanding of the dynamics surrounding webcam engagement in such sessions. This calls for a reevaluation of the effectiveness of webcam use in the teaching process and underscores the importance of exploring methods for enhancing engagement and interaction in online teaching. In summary, this paper investigated the attitudes and concerns about privacy and security in the online teaching of Saudi HEI academics during the coronavirus pandemic. The study reveals areas where further research and policy development can enhance the online teaching experience. As the education landscape continues to evolve, institutions must remain proactive in addressing the concerns of their academics while fostering a culturally sensitive approach to technology deployment.

Research limitations/implications

One limitation of this study is the relatively small qualitative data sample, despite the adequate size of the sample including 36 academics from various Saudi Arabian HEIs for quantitative analysis. It was necessary to make the most of the open-ended questions optional – participants did not have to answer about concerns if they did not want to, as we did not want to make the questionnaire too long and onerous to complete. Consequently, the number of academics responding to the open-ended questions was limited, emphasizing the need for additional data and alternative research methods to further these issues. The study was focused on investigating the concerns of HEI Saudi academics, recognizing that the attitudes and concerns of academics in other countries may differ. Furthermore, the research also includes an exploration of the changes in academic attitudes and concerns before and since the COVID-19 pandemic, which will be the subject of further data analysis.

Originality/value

This research delves into Saudi HEI academics' perceptions and concerns regarding privacy and security in online education during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Notably, it highlights the moderate priority placed on online privacy and security, the unexpectedly low usage of webcams and the potential for enhancing policies and training. The study emphasizes the necessity for comprehensive measures to protect sensitive data and the importance of tailored policies for educators. It also underscores the need for a more nuanced understanding of webcam usage dynamics, offering valuable insights for institutions aiming to improve online education and address educators' concerns amidst evolving educational landscapes.

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 19 June 2024

Muhammad Haroon Shoukat, Islam Elgammal, Kareem M Selem and Ali Elsayed Shehata

This paper aims to empirically examine the impact of psychological factors (i.e. privacy and intrusiveness concerns) on user intentions regarding artificial intelligence…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to empirically examine the impact of psychological factors (i.e. privacy and intrusiveness concerns) on user intentions regarding artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled social commerce applications at their core through perceived usefulness. The theoretical model is supported by the theory of planned behaviour (TPB).

Design/methodology/approach

Data was gathered from 488 social media users in Saudi Arabia.

Findings

Privacy concerns significantly affect perceived usefulness. Furthermore, the link between privacy concerns and behavioural intentions was mediated by perceived usefulness.

Research limitations/implications

Business leaders should raise users’ awareness about the effectiveness of AI-powered tools that can influence their behavioural intentions. Furthermore, managers must be aware of the regulations that protect user privacy, track online activity and offer secure communication channels.

Originality/value

This paper expands on TPB by bridging the theoretical and practical divide. It further develops a theoretical framework for practitioners to better understand customers’ physiological aspects of using AI-powered social commerce platforms.

Propósito

Este artículo examina empíricamente el impacto de los factores psicológicos (es decir, preocupaciones de privacidad e intrusión) en las intenciones de los usuarios con respecto a las aplicaciones de comercio social habilitadas con inteligencia artificial (IA) en su núcleo a través de la utilidad percibida. El modelo teórico se sustenta en la teoría del comportamiento planificado (TPB).

Los datos de diseño/metodología

Los datos se recopilaron de 488 usuarios de redes sociales en Arabia Saudita.

Resultados

Las preocupaciones sobre la privacidad afectan significativamente la utilidad percibida. Además, el vínculo entre las preocupaciones por la privacidad y las intenciones de comportamiento estuvo mediado por la utilidad percibida.

Implicaciones

Los líderes empresariales deberían concienciar a los usuarios sobre la eficacia de las herramientas impulsadas por la IA que pueden influir en sus intenciones de comportamiento. Además, los gerentes deben conocer las regulaciones que protegen la privacidad de los usuarios, rastrear la actividad en línea y ofrecer canales de comunicación seguros.

Originalidad

Este artículo amplía el TPB cerrando la brecha teórica y práctica. Además, desarrolla un marco teórico para que los profesionales comprendan mejor los aspectos fisiológicos de los clientes al utilizar plataformas de comercio social impulsadas por IA.

目的

本文透過實證研究了心理因素 (即隱私和侵入性問題) 對人工智慧 (AI) 驅動的社交商務應用程式的使用者意圖的影響, 其核心是透過感知有用性。 此理論模型得到計劃行為理論 (TBP) 的支持。

設計/方法/途徑

資料收集自沙烏地阿拉伯的 488 名社群媒體用戶。

調查結果

隱私問題顯著影響感知的用處。 此外, 隱私問題和行為意圖之間的連結是透過感知有用性來調節的。

啟示

企業領導者應該提高使用者對人工智慧工具有效性的認識, 這些工具可以影響他們的行為意圖。 此外, 管理人員必須了解保護用戶隱私、追蹤線上活動並提供安全通訊管道的法規。

獨創性

本文透過彌合理論和實踐鴻溝,對 TPB 進行了擴展。 它進一步為從業者開發了一個理論框架,以便更好地了解使用人工智慧驅動的社交商務平台的客戶的生理方面。

Article
Publication date: 22 May 2024

Jia Wang, Qianqian Cao and Xiaogang Zhu

This study aims to examine the effects of multidimensional factors of platform features, group effects and emotional attitudes on social media users’ privacy disclosure intention.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effects of multidimensional factors of platform features, group effects and emotional attitudes on social media users’ privacy disclosure intention.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected the data from 426 respondents through an online questionnaire survey and conducted two approaches of structural equation modeling (SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) for theoretical hypothesis testing and configuration analysis of the data.

Findings

The results show that social media platform features (rewards of information disclosure, personalized service quality and data transparency), group effects (group similarity, group information interaction and network externality), individual emotional attitudes (trust and privacy concern) and control variable (gender) have a significant impact on privacy disclosure intention, as well as trust and privacy concern play mediating roles. Additionally, the fsQCA method reveals five causal configurations that explain high privacy disclosure intentions. Furthermore, the study reveals that male users pay more attention to platform features, while female users are more inclined to group effects.

Originality/value

This study attempts to construct a comprehensive model to examine the factors that affect users' intention to disclose their privacy on social media platforms. Drawing on the cognition-affect-conation model and multidimensional development theory, the model integrates multidimensional factors of platform features, group effects, trust and privacy concern to complement existing theoretical frameworks and privacy disclosure literature. By understanding the complex dynamics behind privacy disclosure, this study helps platform providers and policymakers develop effective strategies to ensure the vitality and momentum of the social media ecosystem.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 May 2024

Eoin Whelan, Michael Lang and Martin Butler

The privacy paradox refers to the situation where users of online services continue to disclose personal information even when they are concerned about their privacy. One recent…

Abstract

Purpose

The privacy paradox refers to the situation where users of online services continue to disclose personal information even when they are concerned about their privacy. One recent study of Facebook users published in Internet Research concludes that laziness contributes to the privacy paradox. The purpose of this study is to challenge the laziness explanation. To do so, we adopt a cognitive dispositions perspective and examine how a person’s external locus of control influences the privacy paradox, beyond the trait of laziness.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed method approach is adopted. We first develop a research model which hypothesises the moderating effects of both laziness and external locus of control on privacy issues. We quantitatively test the research model through a two-phase survey of 463 Facebook users using the Hayes PROCESS macro. We then conduct a qualitative study to verify and develop the findings from the quantitative phase.

Findings

The privacy paradox holds true. The findings confirm the significant influence of external locus of control on the privacy paradox. While our quantitative findings suggest laziness does not affect the association between privacy concerns and self-disclosure, our qualitative data does provide some support for the laziness explanation.

Originality/value

Our study extends existing research by showing that a person’s external locus of control provides a stronger explanation for the privacy paradox than the laziness perspective. As such, this study further reveals the boundary conditions on which the privacy paradox exists for some users of social networking sites, but not others. Our study also suggests cognitive dissonance coping strategies, which are largely absent in prior investigations, may influence the privacy paradox.

Details

Internet Research, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1066-2243

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 1000