Defining user risk in social networking services. Issue 1 (19th January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Haynes, David; Robinson, Lyn
• Is Part Of: Aslib journal of information management. Volume 67:Issue 1(2015:Feb.)
• Page Start: 94
• Page End: 115
• Publication Date: 2015-01-19
• Subjects: Information science -- Periodicals; Library science -- Periodicals; 020.5
• DOI: 10.1108/AJIM-07-2014-0087
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-3806

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x content-type="archive" xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Purpose</title> <p> – The purpose of this paper is to identify the risks faced by users of online social networking services (SNSs) in the UK and to develop a typology of risk that can be used to assess regulatory effectiveness. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Design/methodology/approach</title> <p> – An initial investigation of the literature revealed no detailed taxonomies of risk in this area. Existing taxonomies were reviewed and merged with categories identified in a pilot survey and expanded in purposive sample survey directed at the library and information services (LIS) community in the UK. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Findings</title> <p> – Analysis of the relationships between different risk categories yielded a grouping of risks by their consequences. This aligns with one of the objectives of regulation, which is to mitigate risks. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Research limitations/implications</title> <p> – This research offers a tool for evaluation of different modes of regulation of social media. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Practical implications</title> <p> – Awareness of the risks associated with use of online SNSs and wider social media contributes to the work of LIS professionals in their roles as: educators; intermediaries; and users of social media. An understanding of risk also informs the work of policy makers and legislators responsible for regulating access to personal data. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Originality/value</title> <p> – A risk-based view of regulation of personal data on social media has not been attempted in such a comprehensive way before.</p> </sec> </abstract>