University of Twente Student Theses
The ability of users of social networking sites to accurately perform the privacy calculus : an empirical study on the disclosure abilities of Facebook users
Worp, Stefan van de (2014) The ability of users of social networking sites to accurately perform the privacy calculus : an empirical study on the disclosure abilities of Facebook users.
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| Abstract: | This report discusses the results of an empirical study on the competences, skills and knowledge of users of Facebook in personal information disclosure decisions. A survey measured the competences that determine the ability to accurately perform the privacy calculus. The competences for the disclosure decision consist of the ability to estimate perceived benefits, perceived privacy risks and perceived trust on Facebook. The tested skills consist of privacy policy and privacy control skills. The knowledge is determined by the awareness of data exploitation. The study is performed with Dutch adult Facebook users as the unit of observation. In the research the competence levels of the users are determined by comparing their survey results with a golden standard. The study provides a transparent scale by with the users are categorized in competence, skills and knowledge levels. Linear regression analysis is used to explore the field of variables that determine the competence levels and skill levels to perform the privacy calculus. The results of the study indicate that Dutch adult Facebook users are categorized a sufficiently competent in estimating the benefits and risks of data disclosure situations on Facebook. However, they lack the specific skills and knowledge which are required to use the information service without endangering the privacy of themselves and others. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 85 business administration, organizational science |
| Programme: | Business Administration MSc (60644) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/66392 |
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