How do terms of service influence social media users dynamics — a privacy anxiety perspective
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Supplementary ToSwithTopics: version 18
Supplementary ToSwithTopics: version 19
Supplementary ToSwithTopics: version 20
Date
2026
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Embargo Date
2028-02-04,2028-02-04,2028-02-04,2028-02-04
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Abstract
This thesis examines how a Terms of Service update on X enabling default AI training on user content activated privacy anxiety and reshaped user behavior. Privacy anxiety is conceptualized as a structural outcome of reduced control over data use, particularly among content creators. The study finds that privacy anxiety is activated within creator communities and diffused across user groups through inter- and cross- community interaction. As anxiety escalated, engagement declined and migration intentions increased. These findings point to an unresolved dilemma in AI-driven platform governance: how user trust and autonomy can be sustained under conditions of concentrated power and data-dependent business models remains unclear.
Description
2026
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Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International