Social networking sites are an essential part of the Internet. Especially teenagers and young adults use them to maintain contacts and exchange ideas with their peers. In doing so, they have to and want to divulge a lot of information about themselves. This may lead to that they compromise their own privacy. The use of platforms is a tension between the perceived risks and opportunities.
The present study examined how 12- up to 24-year-old use social networks, what information they reveal about themselves, how they assess the risks and take advantage of their privacy privacy online. These questions were answered in an empirical study using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods.
In addition to qualitative interviews with young users and experts a standardised questionnaire including a tracking study was conducted. The study also includes a detailed legal expertise on data protection. Based on the results design proposals for legislators and the media education were drafted.
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