Comprehension, Perception, and Projection

Abstract

Health social networks (HSNs) allow individuals with health information needs to connect and discuss health-related issues online. Political-technology intertwinement (e.g. GDPR and Digital Technology) highlights that users need to be aware, understand, and willing to provide electronic consent (eConsent) when sharing personal information online. The objective of this study is to explore the ‘As-Is’ factors which impact individuals’ decisional autonomy when consenting to the privacy policy (PP) and Terms and Conditions (T&Cs) on a HSN. We use a Situational Awareness (SA) lens to examine decision autonomy when providing eConsent. A mixed-methods approach reveals that technical and privacy comprehension, user perceptions, and projection of future consequences impact participants’ decision autonomy in providing eConsent. Without dealing with the privacy paradox at the outset, decision awareness and latterly decision satisfaction is negatively impacted. Movement away from clickwrap online consent to customised two-way engagement is the way forward for the design of eConsent.