February 2020
Article
Current Opinion in Psychology

Tales of Two Motives: Disclosure and Concealment

By: Leslie John, Michael L. Slepian and Diana Tamir

Format:Print

Abstract

We posit that the desire to disclose personal information, and the desire to conceal it, are related yet distinct psychological motives. People often wish to conceal information, such as embarrassing aspects of the self. Yet people also seek to reveal information, such as a laudable achievement. These motives often go hand in hand. However, sometimes people experience both desires simultaneously. This idea—that people can simultaneously feel both desires—helps to account for the seemingly paradoxical choices people make with respect to the care and control of their personal data—i.e., information privacy.

Keywords

Disclosure; Privacy; Information; Motivation and Incentives

Citation

John, Leslie, Michael L. Slepian, and Diana Tamir. "Tales of Two Motives: Disclosure and Concealment." Special Issue on Privacy and Disclosure, Online and in Social Interactions edited by L. John, D. Tamir, M. Slepian. Current Opinion in Psychology 31 (February 2020).