Investigation of the Relationship between Online Privacy Concerns and Internet Addiction among University Students

Abstract

The fact that the cyber environment does not have clear boundaries, and the difficulties in taking control of this environment, can turn online sharing into a source of concern in terms of privacy. In particular, the tendency of internet addicts to use the internet uncontrollably can increase the probability of experiencing privacy concerns. This research aims to reveal the relationship between internet addiction levels and online privacy concerns of university youth, one of the segments most addressed by web-based communication technologies. The research was designed with a cross-sectional and correlational survey design within the scope of quantitative research methods. The sample of the research consists of 524 students studying at a state university in Turkey. Quantitative data were collected face-to-face through an introductory information form, and a questionnaire including the scales of “Online Privacy Concern” and “Internet Addiction”. The study determined that online privacy concerns were significantly higher among first-year students, female students, and those using Instagram accounts. It was determined that male students had higher internet addiction levels. In the study, it was revealed that as the internet addiction levels of university students increased, their online privacy concerns also increased. In addition, it was determined that internet addiction explained 15.7% of the total variance of online privacy concerns. Based on the positive relationship between internet addiction and online privacy concern levels of university students, it can be said that the problems related to internet use intersect, intertwine and feed each other.