College Students' Information Needs and Information Seeking Behaviors regarding Personal Information

Abstract

This study analyzed college students’ reactions toward the issues of personal information. Students’ needs and seeking behaviors for personal information were assessed. Relevant literature was reviewed for framing the research questions and designing the questionnaire items for survey. Survey subjects were students from an university at northern Taiwan. A set of questionnaire items were used to collect research data. Statistical analysis from 252 valid data reveals some items were highly rated: Students reflected highly for their need of knowledge under the security threat of personal information (M = 4.29). They reacted strongly on acquiring knowledge and resources through the Internet (M = 4.24). They preferred the use of resources clear and easy to be understood (M = 4.04). However, most students had low level faith toward either government or non-governmental organizations in securing their personal information (M < 3.0 for most items). More effort among education and government should be emphasized in the future to improve personal use and reduce uncertainty in the use of personal information. (Article content in Chinese with English extended abstract)

Keywords

• personal information
• personal data protection act
• security of personal information
• information need
• information seeking behavior