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Exploring Smart Speaker Privacy Misconceptions and Knowledge Gaps

Scheuneman, L. (2025) Exploring Smart Speaker Privacy Misconceptions and Knowledge Gaps.

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Abstract:The rapid rise of smart speakers has raised significant privacy concerns, yet many users and non-users remain unaware of or hold mistaken beliefs about smart speaker privacy. This study examines the relationship between privacy misconceptions, perceived knowledge, and privacy-protective behaviours across four different user types, including primary users, secondary users, visitors, and non-users. The final sample consisted out of 155 participants. Results revealed that misconceptions about smart speaker privacy are equally prevalent across all user types, indicating that experience with the devices does not necessarily improve the understanding of privacy risks. Primary users perceived themselves as more knowledgeable than non-users, and a higher misconception score was weakly associated with a higher perceived knowledge. Contrary to expectations, non-users and visitors reported higher engagement with intended privacy-protective behaviours compared to the actual behaviours of primary users. These findings highlight the need for clearer privacy information from manufacturers and suggest that perceived knowledge does not necessarily lead to an accurate understanding of the privacy of smart speakers or protective actions to improve privacy. Future research should explore targeted interventions to address misconceptions and promote effective privacy behaviours.
Item Type:Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:70 social sciences in general, 77 psychology
Programme:Psychology BSc (56604)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/105001
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