Many young people know that data protection is important. Nevertheless, they often share personal information or photos without a second thought. This disconnect between knowledge and behaviour is also known as the privacy paradox. The AI-Strong project, carried out from ZHAW in collaboration with the Swiss Youth Parliaments Association and Pro Juventute, investigated whether and how this paradox can be mitigated.
The starting point was the assumption that, although data protection risks are known, they are often not perceived as personally relevant. To test this, short videos tailored to the target group were developed, showing real-life risk scenarios involving the handling of personal data, with varying degrees of emphasis on personal impact. 440 pupils in 26 secondary school classes each watched one of three videos and subsequently completed a questionnaire on data sharing. The classroom sessions were supplemented by workshops on data protection in the AI age.
The full data analysis is still pending. However, initial feedback from the lessons suggests that direct confrontation with one’s own data risks raises awareness and increases the willingness to take protective measures. The final analysis will reveal which video formats are most effective in this regard.
The project “AI-Strong” was funded in the 3rd Rapid Action Call. You can also find the latest information on the project on the ZHAW project page.