Department
Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-21-2026
Embargo Period
9-28-2026
Abstract
As social media platforms become central to digital interactions, concerns about both privacy and the disclosure of personal information have evolved. Online disinhibition—the psychological detachment users experience in digital spaces that distance their online behaviors from offline consequences—may shape perceptions of privacy risks, particularly on social media platforms like TikTok. This study examines the relationships between online disinhibition and users’ privacy concerns and protective behaviors while accounting for individuals’ sense of gratification, media awareness, identity, and experience. By exploring dimensions such as anonymity and invisibility, we investigate how these factors are linked to self-disclosure and diminished privacy caution. Findings from the present study indicate that individuals who report lower levels of online disinhibition have an increased tendency to safeguard personal information. This study provides a nuanced understanding of how psychological traits, informational context, and past experiences interact to shape digital privacy attitudes and behaviors in an era of evolving social media landscapes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)
Journal Title
Technology, Mind, and Behavior
Journal ISSN
2689-0208
Volume
7
Issue
1
First Page
43
Last Page
55
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1037/tmb0000184
Comments
This article received funding through Kennesaw State University's Faculty Open Access Publishing Fund, supported by the KSU Libraries and KSU Office of Research.