Publication
Does protection motivation predict self-protective online behaviour? Comparing self-reported and actual online behaviour
In this article, Rutger Leukfeldt, special chair of Governing Cybercrime, together with colleagues, investigate the relationship between Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) factors and self-protective online behaviour by comparing self-reported and actual online behaviour.
- Author
- M.S. van ’t Hoff-de Goede, E.R. Leukfeldt, S.G.A. van de Weijer, R. van der Kleij
- Date
- 13 March 2025
- Links
- Read the full article here
The researchers highlight significant discrepancies between self-reported and actual online behaviour, revealing that individuals often overestimate their adherence to safe practices online. Using PMT as a framework, the study examines how threat appraisal, coping appraisal, and protection motivation influence online behaviour. Results show that while PMT factors are predictive of self-reported behaviour, their relationship with actual behaviour is less consistent.
The study employs an innovative experimental survey method that combines traditional questionnaires with embedded behavioural experiments mimicking real-world cyber incidents. For example, participants were unknowingly tested on their willingness to download potentially harmful software. This approach provides robust insights into how individuals behave in practice compared to their self-perceptions.
The authors argue that focusing solely on self-reported data may lead to an inaccurate understanding of online safety behaviours. They call for future research to prioritise actual behavioural measurements to better inform cybersecurity strategies and interventions aimed at reducing online victimisation risks.