A Sociological Study on the Individual Concern for Information Privacy

Classical sociology has seen various discussions on the tension between individuality and social solidarity. Some thought that increasing individuality may ruin the foundation of traditional society and may lead to social disintegration, while others believed that modern society is built on mutual dependence and legal-rational authority. An increase in individuality may not lead to social disintegration. The debate on personal privacy is an extension of this sociological concern.;The individual concern for privacy was said to be derived from selfishness and individualism, and led to social isolation. According to this view, people who have high concerns for their information privacy are only concerned with their own interests and would not like to sacrifice their own interests for the common good. They are also social isolates who would not like to take part in social activities. This social concern for privacy is derived from individualism in culture. However, these views are purely speculations with no empirical evidence for support. The purpose of this study is to provide an empirical test of three core questions: First, does individual concern for privacy indicate social isolation? Second, does individual concern for privacy indicate selfishness at the expense of common good? Third, does individual concern for privacy derive from cultural individualism?;To address the first question, this study used the 1990 Harris Poll and found a positive association between privacy concern and social participation. For the second question, this study used the General Social Survey and found that privacy concerns were associated with willingness to pay more tax to improve social welfare programs. As to the third question, this study used the International Social Survey Program to demonstrate that there was no association between individualism and privacy concerns. From all these findings, individual concerns regarding information privacy do not mean selfishness, do not lead to social isolation and are not derived from individualism. The results of the study call for a positive evaluation of individual privacy concerns and a thorough protection of individual autonomy. The findings of the study clarified the long-term misunderstanding of individual privacy and may be useful for policy and legal research on privacy protection.