The privacy paradox in the context of online social networking: A self‐identity perspective

Drawing on identity theory and privacy research, this paper argues that the need for self-identity is a key factor affecting people’s privacy behavior in social networking sites. I first unpack the mainstream, autonomy-centric discourse of privacy, and then present a research model that illustrates a possible new theorization of the relationship between self-identity and information privacy. An empirical study with Facebook users confirms the main hypotheses. In particular, the data show that the need for self-identity is positively related to privacy management behaviors, which in turn result in increased self-disclosure in online social networks. I subsequently argue that the so-called “privacy paradox” is not a paradox per se in the context of online social networking; rather, privacy concerns reflect the ideology of an autonomous self, whereas social construction of self-identity explains voluntary self-disclosure.