Privacy Coping and Information-Sharing Behaviors in Social Media: A Comparison of Chinese and U.S. Users

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Anthony Shong-Yu Chow, Associate Professor (Creator)
Hamid R. Nemati, Professor (Creator)
Jeffrey D. Wall (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: Although many studies examine privacy in social media settings, few studies examine privacy issues that may arise due to characteristics of user populations. This study compares privacy issues among social media users in the United States and China. It also explores privacy issues among users with different levels of Internet addiction and different online identity perceptions. In doing so, it identifies several populations that are more susceptible to privacy violations due to their online behaviors. The study finds that U.S. and Chinese users differ in their privacy coping and information-sharing behaviors. Chinese users may be at greater risk to privacy violations because of their online behaviors. Additionally, users addicted to social media and users with different online identities may be vulnerable to privacy violations. Potential explanations for these findings are provided and directions for future research are offered.

Additional Information

Publication
Journal of Global Information Technology Management, 17 (4), 228–249
Language: English
Date: 2014
Keywords
Cultural Differences, Information Sharing, Internet Addiction, Privacy Coping, Social Media

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