Understanding the dimensions and violation of privacy in human–algorithm interaction: A self-determination theory perspective

This study qualitatively investigates user responses to privacy invasion by social media algorithms and identifies the fundamental needs that drive the feelings of privacy violation. In-depth interviews with 17 users in the United States revealed that the dimensions of physical, social, informational, and psychological privacy, originally defined in interpersonal communication, can be extended to human–algorithm interaction and are still deemed to be significant by users. Popular episodes of privacy invasions showed three main themes that privacy violation perceptions are grounded upon: lack of choice, non-interpretability of algorithms, and lack of understanding and respect. The three basic human needs for growth and motivation proposed by the self-determination theory (SDT) – autonomy, competence, and relatedness – are extended to understand why these invasions matter to users.