Five properties of Privacy Regulation Theory[edit]
There are five properties in Altman's theory.
1. Temporal dynamic process of interpersonal boundary[edit]
First, Altman states that privacy is a temporal dynamic process of interpersonal boundary. That is a process that we regulate interactions with others, we changed how open or closed we are in response to changes in our internal states and external conditions.
2. Desired and actual levels of privacy[edit]
Second, Altman differentiates desired and actual levels of privacy. The desired level of privacy is the amount required for serving a person’s needs and role requirement. Actual level refers the amount of privacy that a person achieves.
3. Non-monotonic function of privacy[edit]
Third, privacy is described as a non-monotonic function. More privacy is not necessarily better. A person seeks an optimal level of privacy (i.e. desired level equals to actual level).There are possibilities of too much or too little privacy. When there is too much privacy (actual > desired level), a person may engage in crowding. On the other hand, when there is too little privacy (desired > actual level), a person may prefer social isolation. The goal of privacy regulation is to obtain the optimal level.
4. Bi-directional nature of privacy[edit]
Fourth, privacy is bi-directional, involving inputs from others (e.g., noise) and outputs to others (e.g., oral communication).
5. Two levels of privacy[edit]
Last, privacy can be analyzed at two different levels. One refers to an individual’s privacy, the other is a group’s privacy.