Stressful life events as antecedents for online privacy protective behavior of Israeli students

Abstract

This longitudinal research investigates the main reasons and triggers for users to engage in privacy-protective behavior, which is exemplified by their tendency not to disclose their personal details or provide falsified information upon website registration. In addition, we examine the possible effect of stressful life events (the COVID-19 pandemic and the Israel-Hamas War) on privacy concerns leading to this kind of behavior. To this end, a three-phased user study was carried out among 521 Israeli students in total, via a quantitative method using online closed-ended questionnaires. Privacy- and trust-related issues, such as distrust in the website operators and the desire to remain anonymous were found as the most prevalent for identity falsification. However, it seems that stressful life events do not increase the tendency to falsify details out of privacy-related reasons, but rather lead to indecisiveness or confusion, which are common in times of distress. The research may bear social implications for website operators and online marketers who, by recognizing the reasons behind identity falsification, may create more balanced personalization mechanisms for their own benefit and the benefit of their consumers