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Examining gender differences in people’s information-sharing decisions on social networking sites

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  • Lin, Xiaolin
  • Wang, Xuequn

Abstract

Information systems research provides increasing evidence that women and men differ in their use of information technology. However, research has not sufficiently explained why these differences exist. Using the theory of reasoned action and social role theory, this paper investigates gender differences in people’s decisions about information sharing in the context of social networking sites (SNSs). We developed a comparative model of the information-sharing decision process across genders and theoretically explained why these differences exist. Data was collected from an online survey taken by American SNS users. We found that privacy risks, social ties, and commitment were more important in the formation of attitudes toward information sharing for women than men. Gender significantly moderates the relationship between people’s perceptions of information sharing and their intention to share information. This paper provides an enhanced understanding of gender differences in people’s decisions about sharing information on SNSs. It advances gender differences research into the use of newly emerged information technology and provides researchers insightful views of the role that gender plays in the social media era. Being aware of the research findings, practitioners may better engage their targeted stakeholders on SNSs and collect more useful information for business purposes.

Suggested Citation

  • Lin, Xiaolin & Wang, Xuequn, 2020. "Examining gender differences in people’s information-sharing decisions on social networking sites," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 50(C), pages 45-56.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:ininma:v:50:y:2020:i:c:p:45-56
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2019.05.004
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    Cited by:

    1. (Chloe) Ki, Chung-Wha & Park, Sangsoo & Kim, Youn-Kyung, 2022. "Investigating the mechanism through which consumers are “inspired by” social media influencers and “inspired to” adopt influencers’ exemplars as social defaults," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 144(C), pages 264-277.
    2. Dong Joon Lee & Besiki Stvilia & Seungyeon Ha & Douglas Hahn, 2023. "The structure and priorities of researchers' scholarly profile maintenance activities: A case of institutional research information management system," Journal of the Association for Information Science & Technology, Association for Information Science & Technology, vol. 74(2), pages 186-204, February.
    3. Shan, Wei & Wang, Jiaxuan & Shi, Xiaoxiao & David Evans, Richard, 2024. "The impact of electronic word-of-mouth on patients’ choices in online health communities: A cross-media perspective," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 173(C).
    4. Camilleri, Mark Anthony & Kozak, Metin, 2022. "Interactive engagement through travel and tourism social media groups: A social facilitation theory perspective," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 71(C).
    5. Yossiri Yossatorn & Theerapong Binali & Cathy Weng & Regina Juchun Chu, 2023. "Investigating the Relationships Among LINE Users’ Concerns, Motivations for Information Sharing Intention and Information Sharing Behavior," SAGE Open, , vol. 13(3), pages 21582440231, August.
    6. Singh, Neeraj & Kumar, Niraj & Kapoor, Sanjeev, 2022. "Consumer multihoming predisposition on food platforms: Does gender matter?," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 67(C).
    7. Cloos, Janis & Mohr, Svenja, 2022. "Acceptance of data sharing in smartphone apps from key industries of the digital transformation: A representative population survey for Germany," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 176(C).

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