Mapping Boundaries

Abstract

Different digital communication technologies provide different methods and capacities for monitoring, self-disclosure, and privacy control. As a result, different user behaviors and attitudes about privacy are elicited. This study examines the similarities and differences between computer and mobile phone usage using content analysis of 12 focus groups with college students at a US institution between 2006 and 2022. It does this by drawing on the media mastery framework and the comparative privacy research framework. The comparisons and their combinations among certain privacy-related codes from the boundaries subcomponent of the media mastery framework show both notable parallels and differences, according to the analysis. Excerpts from the focus groups provide more context for these conclusions. A cluster analysis of the codes identifies a number of overarching themes, including trust and safety and stepping over the private-public dividing line. There are theoretical and practical ramifications to the topic.