Self-reflection on privacy research in social networking sites. Issue 5 (4th May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: De Wolf, Ralf; Vanderhoven, Ellen; Berendt, Bettina; Pierson, Jo; Schellens, Tammy
• Is Part Of: Behaviour & information technology. Volume 36:Issue 5(2017)
• Page Start: 459
• Page End: 469
• Publication Date: 2017-05-04
• Subjects: Social networking sites -- privacy -- self-reflection -- human rights -- science and technology studies -- tool clinics; Electronic data processing -- Periodicals; Human engineering -- Periodicals; Information technology -- Periodicals; 303.4833
• DOI: 10.1080/0144929X.2016.1242653
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0144-929X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The increasing popularity of social networking sites has been a source of many privacy concerns. To mitigate these concerns and empower users, different forms of educational and technological solutions have been developed. Developing and evaluating such solutions, however, cannot be considered a neutral process. Instead, it is socially bound and interwoven with norms and values of the researchers. In this contribution, we aim to make the research process and development of privacy solutions more transparent by highlighting questions that should be considered. (1) Which actors are involved in formulating the privacy problem? (2) Is privacy perceived as a human right or as a property right on one's data? (3) Is informing users of privacy dangers always a good thing? (4) Do we want to influence users' attitudes and behaviours? (5) Who is the target audience? We argue that these questions can help researchers to better comprehend their own perspective on privacy, that of others, and the influence of the solutions they are developing. In the discussion, we propose a procedure called 'tool clinics' for further practical implementations.