Location Disclosure and Self-Disclosure

Abstract

In this work, users’ location disclosing behaviour refers to revealing location information either explicitly, for example, to social relations using a mobile service, or as a by-product of a service that applies the users’ location information in order to provide certain functionalities to users. In this chapter, reasons for location disclosure are assessed, as well as the physical and social context of the disclosure. Additionally, the relationship of perceived risks in LBS and location disclosing behaviour is examined. This chapter takes a closer look at what the reasons for disclosing location are, and evaluates some possible reasons for not disclosing. The question is broken down to two parts, addressed within two empirical studies.

First, what motivates users to disclose location information via an LBS is addressed within a field study using a location-based mobile participation system; the significance of extrinsic and intrinsic motivation is discussed.

In the second part of this chapter, the influence of recipient on location disclosing behaviour is analysed through a second field study. Within the study, the objective is to examine usage of a messaging application that has features for enhanced location privacy. Within the study, the impact of the recipient of the location information on disclosed location is studied. Also the influence of risk perception on accuracy of location disclosure is addressed.