According to research and understanding carried out by UEA’s School of Psychology, people tend to reveal more personal details when they are targeted with the same question twice. This means that when a person is asked the same question repeatedly, they tend to over-disclose information, leading to identity theft and cybercrimes.
Personal data can be mined from online users in a simple way, whether it’s completing a survey or subscribing to an online news magazine. The dugout information might prove to be a world’s valuable resource, more valuable than oil and precious metals. From online users’ point of view, this can push them into deep trouble, as security risks will follow, leading them to a financial crisis.
The UEA’s School of Psychology survey took details from over 72 participants, including the pupils’ physical information such as height, weight, and phone number, along with some intrusive topics such as immigration, abortion, and politics.
The study also replicated the fact that users start building trust when asked a question, and if the same question is repeated, they tend to over-disclose without worrying that it can lead to privacy concerns. This is a classic example of the “foot in the door effect.”
Dr. Piers Fleming, the lead researcher from the institute, came to the conclusion that people share more details when they are better understood, and such thinking behavior can prove mutually beneficial, only when they are well-protected against oversharing of details.
So, the research team suggests that businesses and consumers should share information to an acceptable level that can benefit them mutually. Anything more should be forewarned well in advance by the business to protect the privacy of users.
Who’s listening then…?
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