Transforming Perception of Individual Data Ownership between Digital Competency and Social Networking Environments

• In Event: ICA Interactive Paper/Poster Session III
  In Interactive Poster Session: Communication and Technology Interactive Poster Session

Abstract

Data rights have been a major focus of legal tradition, or addressed in discussions related to privacy and data security. In this study, data ownership takes a different focus, rooted in social science. Based on Lessig’s theoretical framework and potentialities of human agency, this study explores the site where individuals’ agency with data faces the modality of regulation in the context of digital competency and networked technological settings. Specifically, the question raised in this study is about how levels of digital competency affect individuals’ perception of data ownership in the current social media environments. This sheds light not only on the nature and functions of “code” in the current landscape of data, but also on the struggle of individuals-- hopefully armed with digital competency. Together, this approach attempt to broaden the discourse about the application of politics in data and technology at the individual and structural level.

Author

• Soyoung Park, The University of Texas at Austin