Gender Differentials on Information Sharing and Privacy Concerns on Social Networking Sites

Abstract

This paper undertakes to explore the perceptions of academics regarding information sharing on social network sites (SNS) and related privacy issues. Specifically, the paper was designed targeting academics using SNS to disseminate information and/or for other academic purposes. The paper is based on a mixed method research, the exploratory stage consequential for the confirmatory stage of the research. The findings of the research highly the complex relationships between personal information collection and usage (PICU) factors, personal information control (PIC) factors, and awareness of the effectiveness of privacy policy (AEPP) factors. This culminates in the formulation of a research model based on the theory of reasoned action. Given that the research took place within a context where gender is significant in shaping the worldview of the individual, groups, and society, the paper also seeks to contribute to the existing gender-based narrative on information sharing and privacy issues on SNS, mainly demystifying gender-based stereotypes.