An investigation of commitment to information security and information sharing on social media
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Xiaoyu Li (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
- Advisor
- Gurpreet Dhillon
Abstract: Information sharing has been growing hugely and globally. Research has shown that collecting and utilizing information results in a more effective way to develop business. However, the ubiquitous data collection on the Internet has raised concerns about invasion of privacy and abuse of personal data widely. A data breach could cause serious consequences such as monetary loss, social embarrassment, psychological violation of private space, and so on (Bansal et al. 2016). Therefore, more and more people have become unwilling to share their personal information on the Internet. However, the younger cohort of Internet users and the internet/technology natives, iGeneration (iGen) share information across several online platforms without a second thought, largely because they prioritize personalization over privacy. Online communication is not something they need to learn, but social media and screens encompass them as a norm, making them the most technologically centered generation (McCrindle and Wolfinger, 2010). Based on the Generational Cohort Theory, different generations have specific habits, beliefs, and values. It is generally agreed that iGen has a unique perspective of the digital world from its predecessors (WP Engine, 2017; WP Engine and The CGK, 2017). Therefore, using the Theory of Commitment, this dissertation seeks to provide a deeper understanding of information security in the context of the iGen by focusing on their commitment to information security and the motivators of their intention to share information online. Based on the survey of 431 iGen participants, the findings indicate that iGen's trust in social media and compensation offered by social media directly and positively affect iGen's intention to share information on social media. Additionally, iGen with strong continuance commitment has less trust in social media, but their perceived privacy controls on social media boost social media confidence. Moreover, strong normative commitment and affective commitment of iGen promote their continuance commitment. The findings contribute to the literature of information security in the following ways. Firstly, it extends the application of the commitment theory into the field of information sharing. Secondly, it expands the literature of information sharing and the commitment theory to the youngest generation of internet users, iGen. They are the internet and technology natives. Thirdly, it demonstrates how iGen commits to their privacy and information security. Fourthly, this study explores relationships between the three forms of commitments, which contribute to a deeper understanding of individuals' commitment to information security.
An investigation of commitment to information security and information sharing on social media
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Created on 12/1/2020
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Dissertation
- Language: English
- Date: 2020
- Keywords
- Commitment, Compensation, iGeneration, Information Security, Information Sharing, Social Media
- Subjects
- Generation Z
- Information technology $x Security measures
- Data protection
- Social media