Mobile cloud computing apps and information disclosure: the moderating roles of dispositional and behaviour-based traits

Abstract

ABSTRACT The paradigm of developing mobile apps has shifted from native apps that store data on mobile devices to mobile cloud computing (MCC) apps that send data to the cloud. Transferring users’ data to the cloud provides several benefits, such as larger storage capacity and simultaneous access by multiple devices and users. However, storing data in the cloud also raises privacy concerns as users do not have direct control over their data. This study reports a privacy cost–benefit analysis including the moderating effects of dispositional traits (i.e. two personality meta-traits: stability and plasticity) and the behaviour-based trait (i.e. use experience) to understand information disclosure behaviour. The empirical study is based on a scenario-based survey (n = 807) from a diverse sample of MCC apps users. The results support the moderating effects of personality meta-traits; stability and plasticity differentially moderate the effects of perceived privacy risk and perceived value of data transfer to the cloud on information disclosure behaviour. Contradictory to prior research, prior use experience does not moderate the effects of the cost–benefit perceptions. The implications of research and practice are discussed.