Exploring Teenagers’ Privacy Concerns And Defensive Measures Adopted Online

Abstract

This study is an attempt to explore the Internet browsing behaviour of teenagers focusing on their' online privacy concerns and defensive measures adopted online. The study was undertaken specifically to get insights into teenagers’ online browsing behaviour, their perceived degree of sensitivity towards privacy concern, the types of defensive measures adopted by them in relation to the perceived degree of privacy concerns, and to study the privacy related behaviour of teenagers. The primary objectives of the study focused on teenagers’ concerns about online privacy, willingness to disclose / not to disclose personally identifiable information, and actual disclosure / non-disclosure of their real personal information online. A survey conducted in Jaipur city of Rajasthan, India with 184 teenagers aged 13-19 revealed that their perception, attitude, and concern towards personal data security in view of online privacy issues was quite commendable. They are extra cautious when it comes to sharing their personal information on the website in the process of registering for the same. But, at the same time they do not hesitate in submitting false / fabricated information when they don’t have a choice. A surprising finding revealed by this research is that on the one hand they strongly show their concern for personal information / data security but at the same time they do give their permission for the same. Some of the findings surprisingly surface that their cognitive responses are not always seen in their actual behaviour. Finally, the privacy related behaviour reveals that they do take all precautionary measures and at the same time display a variety of defensive measures endorsing the fact that they are much smarter than previous generations!