Date of Award
2008
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Program
Media Studies
Supervisor
Dr. Anabel Quan-Haase
Second Advisor
Dr. Jacquie Burkell
Abstract
The focus of much research on social network sites (SNSs) has been on the amount and types of information revealed, the relatively open nature of the information, and the apparent lack of controls employed by users. The aim of the present study was to expand the research in this area by identifying the factors that influence information revelation and privacy protection on Facebook, as well as to examine the strategies developed by students to protect themselves against privacy threats. A mixed-methods data collection approach was employed that included a questionnaire, semi-structured interviews and profile analyses. Findings show that students manage their Internet privacy concerns by withholding personal information and address their concerns about unwanted audiences by altering the visibility of their information from within the site. The findings provide insight into students’ motivations for information revelation on Facebook and the ways in which they negotiate privacy on the site.
Recommended Citation
Young, Alyson L., "DEFACING THE ‘BOOK: EXAMINING INFORMATION REVELATION, INTERNET PRIVACY CONCERNS AND PRIVACY PROTECTION IN FACEBOOK" (2008). Digitized Theses. 4162.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/digitizedtheses/4162