Information Privacy in Personal Use of Digital Technologies

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Interdependent privacy and ephemerality have recently emerged as two important phenomena to challenge our understanding of individuals’ ability to control their personal information online. This book addresses these two phenomena and seeks to answer the following research questions: To what extent do users consider threats to interdependent privacy in their decision-making on technology use and on which factors does this consideration depend? How and why does perceived ephemerality affect individuals’ privacy perceptions and usage behaviors? Following these questions, this dissertation examines the phenomenon of interdependent privacy and ephemerality in five empirical studies. This dissertation had two major goals: First, it aimed at developing a more in-depth understanding of the interdependent privacy phenomenon by taking the decision-maker’s perspective. Second, this dissertation sought to investigate the potential of ephemerality as a proxy for control. In combination, the individual studies provide theoretical and managerial implications for technology providers, regulatory authorities, and users.