Information behaviour of data breach victims and the relevance of health information avoidance
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47989/ir31ISIC65144Keywords:
Human information behaviour, information avoidance, data breach, victimhood, psychological impactAbstract
Introduction. This study conducts a scoping review and comparative analysis of human information behaviour following data breaches, with a focus on information avoidance. Drawing on parallels with health information behaviour, the research explores how the psychological repercussions of data breaches are shaping cybersecurity victimhood and behavioural responses to digital information post-incident.
Method. An interpretive, scoping review methodology is employed to map literature across cybersecurity and health domains. Sources were identified through systematic searches of academic databases, focusing on conceptual overlaps between data breach victimisation and health-related information avoidance.
Analysis. Comparative thematic analysis was conducted to identify shared psychological and behavioural traits. Key dimensions included emotional distress, cognitive dissonance, institutional distrust, and uncertainty management. Analysis is synthesised into tables to highlight conceptual convergence.
Results. The findings reveal significant parallels between data breach victims and people avoiding health information. Both groups exhibit avoidance driven by anxiety, perceived threats, lack of control, and distrust. Psychological repercussions manifest as digital disengagement, selective exposure, and changes in information behaviour.
Conclusion. Information avoidance among data breach victims reflects a complex interplay of emotional, cognitive, and social factors. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for designing supportive interventions and extending health information behaviour theory into the cybersecurity domain.
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