The Framing Effect in Privacy Management Tools

Abstract

The study explores the influence of privacy management tools on privacy decision making in online social networks. We specifically examine the role of framing effects in biasing users’ decisions to share information. A theoretical model of the effects of different types of frames embedded within information sharing tools, as well as the roles of tie strength and information sensitivity is tested in a controlled experiment. The results indicate that privacy tools influence individuals’ sharing behavior and can induce greater disclosure depending on the frame they employ. Furthermore, tie strength and information sensitivity are also found to affect sharing behavior.