6533b86dfe1ef96bd12c9ef7

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Using protection motivation theory in the design of nudges to improve online security behavior

Pamela BriggsNuria Rodríguez-priegoJosé VilaRené Van Bavel

subject

Online securityCoping (psychology)Nudge theoryG40005 social sciencesApplied psychologyGeneral EngineeringAppealHuman Factors and Ergonomics02 engineering and technologyBehavioral economicsFear appealC800EducationHuman-Computer InteractionProtection motivation theoryHardware and Architecture020204 information systems0502 economics and business0202 electrical engineering electronic engineering information engineering050211 marketingInternet usersPsychologySoftware

description

Abstract We conducted an online experiment (n = 2024) on a representative sample of internet users in Germany, Sweden, Poland, Spain and the UK to explore the effect of notifications on security behaviour. Inspired by protection motivation theory (PMT), a coping message advised participants on how to minimize their exposure to risk and a threat appeal highlighted the potential negative consequences of not doing so. Both increased secure behavior – but the coping message significantly more so. The coping message was also as effective as both messages combined, but not so the threat appeal. Risk attitudes, age and country had a significant effect on behavior. Initiatives seeking to promote secure behavior should focus more on coping messages, either alone or in combination with fear appeals.

yearjournalcountryeditionlanguage
2019-03-01International Journal of Human-Computer Studies
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhcs.2018.11.003