“Putting Everything up There”: Framing How We Navigate the Intricacies of Privacy and Security on Social Media

Abstract

Posting commentary via social media can have very real consequences, and these can drive how users navigate the world of social media. The aim of this article is to develop a deeper appreciation of how users comprehend their security and privacy within their social media interactions. I turn to Anderson’s work on street life in attempting to draw upon the decisions made in navigating particular environments—especially those with associated risks. This I argue is similar to how users rationalize their social media behavior to protect themselves and/or view others. Both are learned behaviors that are at times habituated, reactionary, or temporary in the face of heightened threats. Using findings from 27 interviews with UK social media users, I present three codes that may be useful in framing just how users navigate and comprehend their experiences of social media privacy and security.