Does low self-control explain voluntary disclosure of personal information on the Internet?

Abstract

In this study we explore the relationship between self-control and self-disclosure of personal information. As proposed by Gottfredson and Hirschi in self-control theory, low self-control is believed to lead to a variety of criminal behaviors as well as other risk-taking behaviors. Research suggests revealing personal information on the Internet to the public entails many risks. Our study found such self-disclosure can be adequately accounted for by low self-control. Although the dimensionality of self-control has been debated in the literature, our study found that self-control, either as a unidimensional or as a multidimensional measure, has a strong relationship with self-disclosure, even after controlling for age, gender, race, and education. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.