No abstract

Need for Cognition and Need for Cognitive Closure are two stable traits that can enlighten the understanding of inter‐individual variations in information behavior. Following a qualitative phase, an information behavior scale was developed using items related to the ways in which information is needed, sought, used and shared. This scale was tested with 122 undergraduate students. Results of a factor analysis indicated three different and non‐mutually exclusive aspects of information behavior: orientation to rule following, preference for familiarity and simplicity, and desire for intellectual independence. Analyses of variances for each factor, using scores for Need for Cognition and Need for Cognitive Closure as independent variables, indicated that these two traits produce significant effects on information behavior. A significant main effect of Need for Cognition was observed for the orientation to rule following and the desire for intellectual independence. A significant main effect of Need for Cognition was observed for the preference for familiarity and simplicity. Lastly, a significant interaction effect between Need for Cognition and Need for Cognitive Closure was also observed for the desire for intellectual independence.

ABSTRACT

Earlier research using qualitative techniques suggests that the default conception of online social networks is as public spaces with little or no expectation of control over content or distribution of profile information. Some research, however, suggests that users within these spaces have different perspectives on information control and distribution. This study uses Q methodology to investigate subjective perspectives with respect to privacy of, and control over, Facebook profiles. The results suggests three different types of social media users: those who view profiles as spaces for controlled social display, exerting control over content or audience; those who treat their profiles as spaces for open social display, exercising little control over either content or audience; and those who view profiles as places to post personal information to a controlled audience. We argue that these different perspectives lead to different privacy needs and expectations.

This poster uses Q methodology to investigate subjective perspectives on privacy of and control over social network profiles. Earlier research using interview and focus group techniques suggests that the default conception of online social networks is as public spaces where there is little or no expectation of control over content or distribution. This conception, however, applies largely to information posted by others, and participants frame their own online participation in different ways. The current study explicitly investigates these different subjective perspectives. The results suggest three different user profiles or privacy orientations: one group views their online profiles as spaces for social display, but exert control over content and audience; a second group treats their profiles as spaces for open social display, exercising little control over either content or audience; and a third group views social network profiles as places to post personal information to a controlled audience. These different perspectives lead to different privacy needs and expectations.