The Role of Online Disinhibition on Social Media Users’ Privacy Concerns

• In Event: Digital Justice and Online Harm: Emerging Frontiers in Crime and Ideology

Abstract

As social media platforms become central to digital interactions, concerns about privacy and cybersecurity have grown. Online disinhibition—the psychological detachment users experience in digital spaces—may shape perceptions of privacy risks, particularly on platforms like TikTok, where interactive features and algorithm-driven content blur public and private boundaries. This study explores how online disinhibition influences users’ privacy concerns, cybersecurity risk awareness, and protective behaviors. By examining dimensions such as anonymity, invisibility, and risk perception, we assess how these factors contribute to self-disclosure and diminished
privacy caution. Findings will provide insight into the intersection of digital behavior, privacy attitudes, and cybersecurity awareness in an era of evolving social media landscapes.

Authors

• Lisa M. Thompson Lee, Kennesaw State University

• Sinyong Choi, Kennesaw State University