Abstract

The notion of privacy calculus has been used to explain the risk-benefit analysis information technology users perform when asked to provide personal information. This study extends the privacy calculus model by proposing a theoretical framework in which technology characteristics (radicalness and complexity) have moderating effects on the benefit-value and risk-value relationships. The framework also suggests that perceive benefit is a multidimensional construct formed by utilitarian, hedonic, and social benefits. This study is contextualized for smartphone users who are faced with the decision to allow access to their personal information in order to use mobile applications. Propositions to guide future research are developed and implications of the proposed framework are discussed.

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The Influence of Technology Characteristics on Privacy Calculus: A Theoretical Framework

The notion of privacy calculus has been used to explain the risk-benefit analysis information technology users perform when asked to provide personal information. This study extends the privacy calculus model by proposing a theoretical framework in which technology characteristics (radicalness and complexity) have moderating effects on the benefit-value and risk-value relationships. The framework also suggests that perceive benefit is a multidimensional construct formed by utilitarian, hedonic, and social benefits. This study is contextualized for smartphone users who are faced with the decision to allow access to their personal information in order to use mobile applications. Propositions to guide future research are developed and implications of the proposed framework are discussed.