Self-censorship in social networking sites (SNSs) – privacy concerns, privacy awareness, perceived vulnerability and information management

an article by Mark Warner (University College London, UK) and Victoria Wang (University of Portsmouth, UK) published in Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society Volume 17 Issue 4 (2019)

Abstract

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate behavioural changes related to self-censorship (SC) in social networking sites (SNSs) as new methods of online surveillance are introduced. In particular, it examines the relationships between SC and four related factors: privacy concerns (PC), privacy awareness (PA), perceived vulnerability (PV) and information management (IM).

Design/methodology/approach
A national wide survey was conducted in the UK (N = 519). The data were analysed to present both descriptive and inferential statistical findings.

Findings
The level of online SC increases as the level of privacy concern increases. The level of privacy concern increases as the levels of PA and PV increase and the level of effective IM decreases.

Originality/value
This study extends the literature on online SC, showing that PCs increase the level of SC in SNSs. It provides support for three antecedent factors to PC which impact upon levels of SC when communicating in SNSs.

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