PRIVACY CONCERNS IN INSTANT MESSAGING APPS AS PERCEIVED BY GRADE

11 HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

A Research
presented to the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (ICT)
SILANGAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL (SHS)
Silangan, San Mateo, Rizal

in partial fulfillment of the requirements in

PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1

Borbe Cedrick Jake D

David Kizza Mae Joy Q.
Doinog Sid Andrei G.
Lising Jen Albeth.
Oares Hopni Gad.
Palileo Yuanmiguel S.
Ramillo, Rhamlen Lee R.
Romance John Irish M
Tesoro, Jhon Lester

Grade 11 – ICT AZURE

JENNELYN M. GOMEZ, MAT

Practical Research 1 Teacher

Date of Completion
 INTRODUCTION

This chapter of the paper presents the problem and its setting. It includes the

background of the study, the statement of the problem, significance of the study, and

scope and delimitation of the study.

Background of the Study

In the digital age, instant messaging apps have become an essential tool for

communication and social interaction among high school students. However, the

widespread use of these apps raises concerns about privacy and security, particularly

among adolescents who may not fully understand the implications of sharing personal

information online. Research indicates that privacy concerns are a significant issue for

students using instant messaging apps, with over 30% of respondents expressing

concerns about their personal information being misused or abused by other users.

The integration of technology, especially mobile devices and internet technologies, has

become pervasive among adolescents, offering both advantages and disadvantages.

While these technologies provide convenience, misuse and overuse can result in

negative consequences such as reduced academic performance and productivity

among students. Additionally, the widespread use of social media platforms like

WhatsApp raises concerns about data privacy and security, especially when children

and students share sensitive information through these apps.The importance of

understanding privacy concerns in instant messaging apps among Grade 11 high

school students to inform efforts to enhance digital literacy and promote safer online

practices among young users (Shrutika Sirisilla, 2023;Jill Bronman,2021).

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to explore privacy concerns in instant messaging apps as

perceived by high school students. Specifically, it seeks answers to the following

questions:

1. What instant messaging apps do high school students use?

2. What specific privacy concerns do high school students have regarding the

use of instant messaging apps?

3. What are the fears of high school students regarding the potential misuse or

abuse of their personal information by other users in instant messaging apps?

Significance of the Study

The result of the study is significant to the following:

Grade 11 high school students are the main beneficiaries of studying privacy concerns

in instant messaging apps, with multifaceted significance. Firstly, with the increasing

use of smartphones and instant messaging apps among adolescents, understanding

their perceptions of privacy is crucial due to the potential risks associated with sharing

personal information online (Sirisilla, 2023).

Parents are the the second beneficiary as this study is primarily significant to parents

providing them with valuable insights into students' perception of privacy in instant

messaging apps. By understanding these concerns, parents can develop targeted

educational intervention and incorporate digital literacy and online safety lessons to their

children. Through tailored instruction and guidance, parents can empower students to

navigate the digital landscape responsibly and protect their privacy online (Tesfazion, H.

2020).

Policymakers The findings of this study can inform the development of policies and

regulations aimed at promoting digital literacy and protecting user privacy in online

platforms. Policymakers can use insights from this research to advocate for stronger

data protection measures, improved transparency in app privacy policies, and enhanced

enforcement mechanisms to hold platform providers accountable for safeguarding

users' personal information (Henderson, 2020).

Scope and Delimitation

This research focuses on high school students aged 14-18 years from urban and

suburban areas in a specific geographic region. The study will employ qualitative

methods, such as interviews and focus groups, to explore students' perceptions of

privacy in instant messaging apps. The potential weaknesses of the study include the

subjective nature of qualitative data and the limited generalizability of findings beyond

the selected demographic and geographic context.

Conceptual Framework

To better understand the process of the research, the Input-Process-Output

Model is employed.

PROCESS OUTPUT
INPUT
Crafting of the survey
questionnaire or interview Learn the students
Grade 11 High School
questions perspective on the
students
Expert validation of the privacy of instant
research instrument messaging apps.
Revision of the research
instrument
Conduct of data gathering
Analysis and
interpretation of gathered
data

Feedback

The first frame is the input, include the respondents. The researcher will use the grade

11 students. The second frame is the process which includes crafting of the survey

questionnaire or interview questions, export validation of the research instrument,

revision of the research instrument, conduct of data gathering, and analysis and

interpretation of gathered data. The final frame is the output, Which is the learn the

privacy concerns of high school students in instant messaging apps.

 In the conceptual framework using the IPO model, the Input frame comprises the

selection of respondents, typically high school students using instant messaging apps,

while the Process frame involves activities such as crafting research instruments, data

gathering, and analysis. Finally, the Output frame yields the study's findings, including

insights into students' perceptions of privacy concerns in instant messaging apps and

recommendations for promoting online safety.

Definition of Terms

The following terms are operationally defined to better understand the study:

Instant messaging apps – This refers to mobile applications that enable real-time text-

based communication between users, such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and

Snapchat.

Privacy concerns – This refers to individuals' apprehensions about the collection, use,

and disclosure of their personal information in online environments, including instant

messaging apps.

Chapter 2
REVIEW OF THE RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter presents the review of related literature and studies focusing on privacy

concerns in instant messaging apps among high school students.

Introduction

The review of related literature and studies aims to explore the existing literature

on privacy concerns in instant messaging apps among high school students,

highlighting the importance of addressing privacy issues to safeguard students' well-

being and academic success.

Background Information:

Understanding the historical context and relevant theories surrounding privacy concerns

in digital communication is essential. The increasing use of smartphones and internet

technologies among adolescents has led to a surge in the adoption of instant

messaging apps, raising concerns about data privacy and security.

Theoretical Framework:

The theoretical framework guiding this research involves concepts from digital literacy,

online safety, and privacy protection. By examining theories related to adolescent

behavior online and privacy management, this study aims to provide insights into

enhancing students' digital literacy skills.

Review of Related Literature and Studies:

Local Studies:

Dela Cruz (2023) investigated the relationship between social media use and privacy

perceptions among Filipino youth.

Tus et al. (2021) examined the impact of social media usage on students' academic

performance amidst the new normal of education, specifically during the COVID-19

pandemic.

Avendaño (2020) raised awareness on data privacy issues among Filipino internet

users, emphasizing the importance of encryption in protecting online privacy.

Foreign Studies:

Dillip Kumar Rath and Ajit Kumar (2021) provided an understanding of information

privacy concerns at individual, group, organization, and societal levels in various

domains.

Tang and Hew (2022) investigated the effects of using mobile instant messaging on

student behavioral, emotional, and cognitive engagement.

Jones and Brown (2019) explored the impact of peer influence on privacy settings

among Australian high school students.

Gaps in the Literature:

While existing studies provide valuable insights into privacy concerns among high

school students, there is a need for further research focusing on specific strategies to

enhance digital literacy and promote safer online practices among adolescents.

Additionally, more studies are required to explore cultural differences in privacy

perceptions across diverse populations.

Conclusion:

The review of related literature underscores the significance of addressing privacy

concerns in instant messaging apps among high school students. By synthesizing

findings from local and foreign studies, this research aims to contribute to enhancing

students' digital well-being and promoting responsible online behavior.

 PRIVACY CONCERNS IN INSTANT MESSAGING APPS AS PERCEIVED BY
GRADE 11 HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
1. Which instant messaging apps do you use?
2. What are your privacy concerns regarding the use of instant messaging apps?
3. What do you fear when students misuse or abuse their personal information on
instant messaging apps by other users?

Doinog Sid Andrei G. Palileo Yuanmiguel S.

CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY
This chapter includes the research design, the sample, the instrument, the data
collection procedure, and the plan for data analysis.

Research Design
To learn about the privacy concerns of grade 11 students using instant messaging
apps, this study will use a qualitative research methodology, specifically a grounded
theory approach.

This is excellent because it involves systematically collecting and analyzing data

to develop theories that emerged from the data itself rather than starting with
preconceived hypotheses. This approach enables the researchers to explore and
generate theories about the factors influencing privacy concerns in instant messaging
apps among Grade 11 high school

students.
In order to find out the thoughts or opinions of the grade 11 students about the privacy
of instant messaging apps, the data will be gathered through an interview with the
participants. This study approach is great for studying privacy concerns in instant
messaging apps among Grade 11 students because it collects detailed data, refines
theories flexibly, and focuses on participants' experiences. However, it can be
time-consuming, subjective, and the findings may not apply broadly.

Qualitative grounded theory is the ideal research design for investigating

privacy concerns in instant messaging apps among Grade 11 high school students and
meeting the study objectives due to its exploratory nature, participant-centric approach,
flexible and iterative process, theory generation capabilities, and ability to provide rich
and detailed insights. This approach allows for a comprehensive exploration of students'
perceptions and experiences regarding privacy in digital communication, ensuring that
the resulting theories are grounded in empirical data and aligned with the study's goals.

Research Locale
The study will be conducted at Silangan National High School (SHS) in Silangan,
San Mateo, Rizal.

The research locale (SHS) was chosen due to its accessibility and relevance to
the target population on our selected section of Grade 11 Silangan national high school
students.

The characteristics of the research locale include its urban and suburban setting,
as well as the diversity of the student population.

Limitations of the research locale include potential biases in participant

recruitment and limited generalizability to other geographic regions.

The Sample Grade 11 senior High School students will serve as the study's
informants.
Stratified sampling will be used for studying Grade 11 students' privacy concerns in
instant messaging apps.
 The inclusion criteria for selecting informants for a study on privacy concerns in
instant messaging apps among Grade 11 high school students would encompass
individuals specifically in Grade 11, aged around 16 to 17 years old, actively enrolled in
high school, and regular users of instant messaging apps.

Exclusion criteria will involve excluding individuals in other grade levels,

significantly outside the typical age range, non-users of instant messaging apps, and
those who do not provide informed consent or parental consent if required. These
criteria ensure that the sample remains relevant to the study's objectives.

Twenty to Thirty grade 11 High School students will make up the expected
informant sample.

The Research Instrument

Qualitative grounded theory, and semi-structured interview will be used to gather
data for this project.

Grade 11 High school students in Silangan national High school.

Data Collection Procedure

Data collection for this study involved administering interviews and questionnaires
to participants during face-to-face interviews conducted by the researcher. Clear
instructions were provided to participants regarding how to complete the questionnaire,
and research personnel were trained to address any queries or concerns raised by
participants. The data collection process was carried out in a controlled and confidential
environment to uphold data quality and ensure participant privacy.

To maintain data quality and validity, several measures will be implemented. This
includes pilot testing the data collection tools with a small sample of participants,
providing training to data collectors on conducting interviews, utilizing standardized
measures with established reliability and validity, and conducting regular checks on the
data collection process. Data Analysis Procedure To analyze the data for the study
"Privacy Concerns in Instant Messaging Apps as Perceived by Grade 11 High School
Students," a structured procedure will be followed in accordance with Belgrave and
Seide's (2019) coding for grounded theory. Initially, audio recordings of interviews will
be transcribed verbatim to ensure accuracy in representation. Next, common themes
and topics related to privacy concerns will be identified from these transcripts. Each
student's responses will be summarized for each identified theme, allowing for a
comprehensive understanding of individual viewpoints. Subsequently, these summaries
will be compared across different students to discern patterns and variations in their
concerns.

Based on this comparative analysis, conclusions will be drawn regarding overall

trends and patterns observed in the students' responses. Finally, insights gained from
the analysis will inform recommendations aimed at addressing privacy concerns in
messaging apps among high school students.