Data Privacy Perception Among Adolescents in a Silicon Valley High School

Abstract

Social media usage has increased tremendously over the last few decades, thereby becoming a mainstay in the global sphere. This technology is nearly ubiquitous in Silicon Valley, a technological center within the San Francisco Bay Area. In recent years, concerns have been raised over privacy and the extent of data companies collect from their user base. Minimal research has been conducted on adolescents’ privacy perceptions as well as conceptions in the Silicon Valley. Prior studies contend that adolescents may reveal too much personal information online but can also have varying privacy values depending on socioeconomic status. This study investigates the data privacy perceptions of students in a Silicon Valley high school (SVHS) and compares results to two studies, conducted in a different location (Turkish high schools) and with a different age group (US adults). The descriptive research method was used with Google Forms questionnaires distributed to students through email. Questionnaires were based on similar questions from the comparison surveys. Results showed that Internet and social media usage is indeed almost omnipresent among SVHS students. The students are more knowledgeable about privacy protection techniques and at least as concerned about privacy as American adults. SVHS students are also much more private about their personal information in comparison to the Turkish high school students. More research and comparisons in different socioeconomic areas and age levels is needed to determine the reasons behind these trends.