Individual Differences in Online Privacy Concern

Abstract

We examined the effects of socio-demographics and personality traits on online privacy concern. We investigated this relationship in general and across different Internet functions. Using a large, diverse, population-representative sample (N = 5,242), we found that females, educated, and wealthier individuals tend to be concerned with online privacy to a greater extent. Among personality traits, agreeableness and conscientiousness were generally associated with an increased probability of being concerned with online privacy. These results imply that socio-demographics and personality traits provide explanatory insights into online privacy concern.