Sharing to be sociable, posting to be popular: factors influencing non-static personal information disclosure on Facebook among young Dutch users

Facebook use is closely tied to the need to disclose various types of personal information for users to experience the full benefits of using the platform (e.g., relationship maintenance, impression management). However, despite the benefits that can be derived from using the site, risk perception and privacy valuation could also deter disclosure. Results of a survey with 295 students of a vocational school in the eastern region of The Netherlands reveal that the benefits of sharing information primarily influence young Facebook users' decision to post non-static personal information (e.g., photos, statements of current activities, and thoughts on issues or things) on the site. Furthermore, such a decision is also predicated on the size of respondents' Facebook networks and the length of their Facebook membership. Surprisingly, however, the perceived risks attributed to the actions of Facebook and members of the Facebook users' network and users' privacy valuation do not affect the decision to share information on the site.