The Normalization of Screenshotting Culture Despite Data Privacy Awareness Among Students

Abstract

The increasing use of digital communication platforms has intensified concerns regarding data privacy, particularly in the screenshotting and sharing of private text or chat messages among students. This study examined students’ awareness regarding the Data Privacy Act, screenshotting behaviors, sharing behaviors, perceptions of risks and consequences, and influencing factors related to data privacy in the digital age. It also determined the relationships among awareness, screenshotting behavior, sharing behavior, privacy concern, and peer influence.

The study employed a quantitative descriptive-correlational research design involving 610 tertiary students selected through simple random sampling. Data were gathered using a structured survey questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis through Jamovi statistical software.

The findings revealed that students demonstrated high awareness regarding the Data Privacy Act and the protection of personal information. Screenshotting behavior and perceptions of risks and consequences were likewise interpreted as high, while sharing behavior and peer influence were interpreted as moderate. Students commonly engaged in screenshotting practices for documentation, reference, and informational purposes while demonstrating relatively lower tendencies toward sharing screenshots containing sensitive or private content. The results further showed that respondents recognized the legal, ethical, and social consequences associated with unauthorized sharing of private information, particularly risks related to reputational damage, cyberbullying, and loss of control over shared screenshots.

Pearson correlation analysis revealed statistically significant relationships among awareness, screenshotting behavior, sharing behavior, privacy concern, and peer influence. The strongest relationship was observed between awareness and privacy concern (r = .557, p < .001), indicating that students with higher awareness also demonstrated stronger concern regarding privacy-related risks and consequences.

The findings suggest that although students generally possess substantial awareness regarding data privacy, screenshotting behaviors remain evident within digital communication practices. The study highlights the importance of strengthening digital citizenship education, ethical online communication, and responsible handling of sensitive and private information in digital environments.