Perceptions of online privacy among justice-involved women

This study employs a modified photovoice approach to explore justice-involved women’s understandings of online privacy, challenges they face in protecting themselves online, and practical strategies they use to navigate these issues. A total 48 women transitioning from incarceration in three neighboring cities in the U.S. Midwest participated in research sessions aimed at understanding their perceptions related to online privacy. When selecting images that reflected their perspectives on online privacy, participants often chose those representing experiences of vulnerability, privacy resignation, and selective privacy. These themes reflect complex and often contradictory dynamics that shape how justice-involved women navigate digital spaces. The results offer both theoretical and practical implications for digital literacy initiatives, online privacy and security education, and communication research.