Listening and privacy management in mobile phone conversations: cross-cultural comparison of Finnish, German, Korean and United States students

Privacy concerns have gained relevance as mobile phone use has increased over the years. Since privacy management behaviour is tied to the cultural context, the current study investigates the interrelation of mobile phone use and privacy management in four countries representing different communication cultures. University students (N=1000) from Finland, Germany, Korea and the United States were administered a self-report questionnaire designed to assess characteristics of their mobile phone usage as well as factors associated with listening and privacy management behaviour. Results show both similarities and differences in privacy management behaviour during mobile phone conversations. Privacy management theory is explored as a framework to interpret the relevant patterns of behaviour. Future research utilizing qualitative and other methodologies is needed to extend and expand upon these results.