The Costs of Connectivity: WhatsApp Usage, Privacy Concerns, and Protection Behaviors in Israel

Yaron Ariel, Eilat Chen Levy

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This study examines the implications of WhatsApp usage in Israel, focusing on the interplay between usage patterns, privacy concerns, and protection behaviors. Using a sample of 505 participants, this study aimed to understand whether users are aware of privacy issues and how this awareness translates into proactive protection actions. Results showed a significant positive correlation between usage frequency and privacy concerns, but no significant correlation between usage frequency and protection behaviors. However, there was a strong positive correlation between privacy concerns and protection behaviors, with privacy concerns mediating the relationship between usage and protection behaviors. This study underscores the importance of understanding user behavior and privacy perceptions, providing insights for future research and policymaking to enhance privacy on digital platforms.

Original languageEnglish
JournalCommunication Reports
DOIs
StateAccepted/In press - 2024
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 Western States Communication Association.

Keywords

  • WhatsApp
  • privacy concerns
  • privacy paradox
  • privacy protection behaviors;

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education
  • Communication
  • Language and Linguistics
  • Linguistics and Language

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