Date of Graduation
2018
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MA
College
Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Psychology
Committee Chair
Joshua Woods
Committee Co-Chair
Katie Corcoran
Committee Member
Jason Manning
Abstract
A cognitive application of the theory of ritualized media is applied to computer mediated communication to explain unintended consequences of routinization in social media spaces connected to patterns of use and network growth, creating an increased opportunity for self-violations of privacy. While The unintentional self-violation of a digital user's privacy of information, thoughts, and behavior in part stems from interconnected structural components of a user's networks as well as the situational constraints they experience while utilizing social media. This study found that as networks increased in complexity, both in volume and diversity, SNS users experienced a higher likelihood of posting information that they later came to regret due to over-disclosure. Additionally, specific situations, specifically emotional hot states and the use of intoxicants, also led to higher likelihood of a self-violation of privacy. By identifying specific risk factors that may influence the likelihood of committing self-violations of privacy in digital spaces this study hopes to spur increased digital safety for social media users.
Recommended Citation
Hartwell, Matthew P., "Routine Regrets: Over Disclosure and Self-violations of Privacy in Social Media Spaces" (2018). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 5777.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/5777