Use of virtual private networks (VPN) and proxy servers: Impact of personality and demographics

Abstract

Internet security and privacy is a trending issue. Different tools are being employed by different users to stay anonymous and safe. The research focused on impact of Big Five Inventory personality traits on use of VPN and proxy servers. The research was conducted in the Czech Republic. The respondents were 478 university students. Gender, age, and type of student’s job were used as control variables. With regards to the results, conscientiousness, openness to experience, gender, and type of student’s job influence the preference. It is less conscientious, more open to experience, male, and working full time in the field they study that use VPN and proxy servers.