Exploring privacy paradox in information-sensitive mobile app adoption: A cross-cultural comparison
Iryna Pentina, Lixuan Zhang, Hatem Bata, Ying Chen
Comput. Hum. Behav., vol. 65, pp. 409-419
Plain Language Summary
This study investigates the privacy paradox in mobile app adoption, examining why people install apps that collect sensitive information despite having privacy concerns. Comparing US and Chinese users, the research finds that perceived benefits typically outweigh privacy worries. Cultural background significantly influences how users evaluate privacy risks and make adoption decisions. The findings suggest that privacy attitudes and behaviors are often disconnected, varying by culture and information sensitivity.
Key Findings
- A significant privacy paradox exists where users express privacy concerns but continue to adopt information-sensitive mobile apps
- Cross-cultural comparison reveals that US and Chinese users differ in their privacy risk perceptions and coping mechanisms
- Perceived benefits of app usage often outweigh privacy concerns in the adoption decision
- Cultural context moderates the relationship between privacy concerns and actual adoption behavior
- Individual privacy calculus varies significantly based on the sensitivity of information requested by the app
Research Areas
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