Carleton University - School of Computer Science Honours Project
Winter 2024
Sharing is Caring: Investigating Transnational Identities in Account Sharing and Management
Nuha Sheikh
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ABSTRACT
This paper discusses research pertaining to investigating account sharing and management practices among individuals with transnational identities. Through conducting multiple user interviews and thematic analysis with the grounded theory methodology, our data revealed how transnational experiences shape individuals’ identities, which in time influences their account sharing behaviours. We identified various factors that act as key influencers, such as: length of stay, the geopolitical climate, and the cultural values of the various countries they were associated with. Further, participants’ technological awareness and openness to new experiences and perspectives significantly impacted their engagement in account sharing practices. Additionally, we also addressed the interplay between identity formation and its impact on close relationships—family, friends and significant others. We noted that this process was not definite and is subject to reassessment based on exposure to new experiences and perspectives. Our contribution identifies the motivations behind account sharing, emphasizing the importance of considering cultural values in designing secure and resilient platforms that ultimately enhance cybersecurity and user trust.