Libraly Journal

Libraly Journal ›› 2023, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (386): 121-132.

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“Desensitized” Digital Natives: A Study of Social MediaUsers’ Privacy Protection Intentions Based on an ExtendedTheory of Planned Behavior

Chen Subai, Gu Chenyu (School of Journalism and Communication, Xiamen University)   

  • Online:2023-06-15 Published:2023-07-04
  • About author:Chen Subai, Gu Chenyu (School of Journalism and Communication, Xiamen University)

Abstract:

The issue of privacy protection has been widely discussed in recent years. Due to thediversity of social media users, different groups show differentiation in privacy protection behaviors,making it necessary to take group characteristics into account. This study extends the frameworkof “Theory of Planned Behavior to include psychological traits and negative experience factors toproposean influence model of social media users privacy protection intention while exploring themoderating role of digital generations. An analysis of a nationwide sample of 4,800 found that: 1. thedigital native group was aware of more experiences of privacy invasion and higher privacy protectionfatigue, with the former positively and the latter negatively influencing privacy protection intentions, andthis neutralization partially explains the insignificant differences in privacy protection intentions betweendigital generations; 2. the theory of planned behavior partially applies to individuals privacy protectionintentions, and subjective norms do not affect individuals privacy protection intentions; 3. digitalgenerations moderate the effects of self-efficacy and promotion-focus, and digital native groups exhibitdesensitization characteristics. Specifically, digital immigrants are more likely to enhance privacyprotection intentions through increased levels of self-efficacy and promotion focus. The findings of thestudy inform future research and practice on privacy protection.