Abstract:

In the digital age in which privacy is under threat, users have serious privacy concerns about how their personal information is used, shared and protected. They are also concerned about the level of control over the dissemination of that information. Individuals, who leave their digital footprints in every use of digital media, share their personal information voluntarily in order to exist in these environments. On the other hand, they are worried about the possible economic and social consequences in case of any misuse of their personal information. This situation causes a privacy paradox in individuals. Today, users should both use digital tools well and the required cognitive, sociological and emotional skills for an effective existence in the digital environment. The aim of this study is to investigate whether there is a relationship between these skills, which are defined as digital literacy skills, and privacy concerns. The relationship between the two variables was measured by using scales developed by Buchanan (2007) and Ng (2012). The research was conducted according to the predictive correlational design, one of the quantitative research designs. In order to achieve this aim, being one of the data collection techniques, survey was used. An online questionnaire form was conducted to the students taking education in Atatürk University Faculty of Communication. 457 students responded to the questionnaire. Within the scope of the research, a positive and linear correlation was found between the digital literacy skills and digital privacy concerns of the students

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