University students, social media, self-disclosure, and privacy : a study

Abstract

With people nowadays resorting to social media to communicate with others and maintain relationships, a lot of social information is being shared on these platforms. This study looks at how and why Maltese university students are disclosing information about themselves and their relationships on social media. It also explores how they keep private in a virtual world that revolves around sharing. A general survey was conducted to learn about the social media platform students use the most, and how and why it is being used in general. Facebook and Instagram were identified as the most used platforms through this survey. Interviews were also conducted to understand better the thoughts and behaviours users engage in when disclosing information about themselves and romantic relationships online. It also sought to understand the strategies students employed to keep themselves private while still sharing on social media. The results suggest that Maltese students tend to share things that represented them, and avoided disclosing opinions on sensitive issues such as; politics and religion. They were also willing to share pictures with their partner, however, a limitation to these posts was emphasized, due to judgment and gossip. Students felt private on their social media. This privacy came from a control over the people who can access their profile, and being selective with the content shared. The growing presence of the Maltese people on Facebook, had an interesting effect on students’ self-disclosure behaviour, as it made them more cautious to what they should be posting.