Governance and Privacy Limitations

The concept of governance as illustrated by Van Dijck (2013) analyzes the structural design of social media sites through distinguishing the specific ways communication and data traffic are monitored and managed (p 24). To do this, part of the structural organization will involve creating a Terms of Service or End-User License Agreement outlining specific roles, expectations, and privacy warnings (Van Dijck, 2013). These agreements are often presented when first creating an account on a site (Van Dijck, 2013). Although often overlooked, they often contain important information users should be wary of when sharing personal information online (Van Dijck, 2013). With this being a problem, many sites face ridicule for changing governance policies, however, most state within their Terms they are not obligated to inform the users of any changes made (Van Dijck, 2013). Topics that are often covered are privacy concerns, governmental infringements, account information, and social conduct on the site.

The governance model that Van Dijck (2013) considers proves to be a relevant concept to consider when understanding the privacy and uses of social media websites (p.24). Social media sites are platforms for communication purposes and to connect users, however, it is important to keep in mind that they are a business and one needs to look at the governance models they have designed to understand the terms of their use and what information they are providing to this domain (Van Dijck, 2013). These governing powers that are constantly there control the ways to which users use the interface (Van Dijck, 2013).


Van Dijck, J. (2013). The culture of connectivity: A Critical history of social media. New York: Oxford, UP.