The privacy paradox: how does concern about privacy impact actions in the digital age?

The privacy paradox occurs when people claim to care about their digital privacy, but do not take actions to keep their data from being spread across the internet. This study examines college students, being primarily Generation Z, and their concerns and actions regarding digital privacy and security. A survey of 15 college students, 7 in humanities and 8 in STEM, was used to analyze their thoughts and concerns about their digital privacy. This survey also asked whether they took actions concerning their privacy, and if so, what tools they used to protect it. The results show that about 50% of students care about their privacy, and take actions in order to protect it. STEM students were most likely to show concern for their privacy than their humanities counterparts, and take actions to protect it. These findings suggest that most participants care about their data, and many take action in order to protect it. The study lays the groundwork for future research into Generation Z’s digital awareness.