Dis-Empowerment Online: An Investigation of Privacy-Sharing Perceptions and Method Preferences

Abstract

While it is often claimed that users are empowered via online technologies, there is also a general feeling of privacy dis-empowerment. We investigate the perception of privacy and sharing empowerment online, as well as the use of privacy technologies, via a cross-national online study with N = 907 participants. We find that perception of privacy empowerment differs from that of sharing across dimensions of meaningfulness, competence and choice. We find similarities and differences in privacy method preference between the US, UK and Germany. We also find that non-technology methods of privacy protection are among the most preferred methods, while more advanced and standalone privacy technologies are least preferred. By mapping the perception of privacy dis-empowerment into patterns of privacy behavior online, and clarifying the similarities and distinctions in privacy technology use, this paper provides an important foundation for future research and the design of privacy technologies. The findings may be used across disciplines to develop more user-centric privacy technologies, that support and enable the user.