TITLE:
On-Line Privacy Behavior: Using User Interfaces for Salient Factors
AUTHORS:
Thomas Hughes-Roberts, Elahe Kani-Zabihi
KEYWORDS:
On-Line Privacy, Social Networking Site, User Interface, Users’ Behavior, Theory of Planned Behavior
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Computer and Communications,
Vol.2 No.4,
July
4,
2014
ABSTRACT: The problem of privacy in social networks
is well documented within literature; users have pri- vacy concerns however,
they consistently disclose their sensitive information and leave it open to
unintended third parties. While numerous causes of poor behaviour have been
suggested by re- search the role of the User Interface (UI) and the system
itself is underexplored. The field of Per- suasive Technology would suggest
that Social Network Systems persuade users to deviate from their normal or
habitual behaviour. This paper makes the case that the UI can be used as the
basis for user empowerment by informing them of their privacy at the point of
interaction and remind- ing them of their privacy needs. The Theory of Planned
Behaviour is introduced as a potential theoretical foundation for exploring the
psychology behind privacy behaviour as it describes the salient factors that
influence intention and action. Based on these factors of personal attitude,
subjective norms and perceived control, a series of UIs are presented and
implemented in con- trolled experiments examining their effect on personal
information disclosure. This is combined with observations and interviews with
the participants. Results from this initial, pilot experiment suggest groups
with privacy salient information embedded exhibit less disclosure than the
control group. This work reviews this approach as a method for exploring
privacy behaviour and propos- es further work required.