Privacy in social networks: analysis of the Spanish teenagers’ digital self-presentation risks

Abstract

[ES]Introduction: Digital competencies are a reference for the training of adolescents in the face of new digitalization processes, especially in the use of social networks where they consume and produce personal information through different digital self-representation practices. These practices and the risks they pose to the privacy of minors are described in this paper based on a review of recent studies and data from a sample of Spanish adolescents (n=2066) aged between 12 and 18 years. Methodology: The methodology was quantitative, using a Likert-type scale questionnaire that complies with expert validation criteria and reliability, answered anonymously by the participants. Results: Among the results, similar practices stand out in three of the social networks most used by adolescents (WhatsApp, Instagram, and Spotify), associated with the use of personal photos, real name, and location, as well as the non-filtering of audiences, being adolescents aware that sharing personal information poses risks to their privacy and having received training in this regard. Discussion and Conclusion: Finally, it is concluded that training in protective behaviors should be reinforced into basic digital skills so that adolescents learn to interact safely on social networks, with responsibility and taking care of their privacy and digital self-representation.