diffusion, social capital, access, privacy, security, encryption
Abstract
The present study, conducted in a mid-western community via two types of surveys (phone and wireless monitoring), estimates and explains, within a diffusion of innovation and social capital framework, over-time changes in encryption practices associated with wireless networks. Formal social capital is a significant predictor at neighborhood level of changes in encryption practices, while informal social capital is not. In terms of magnitude, a 250% increase in the prevalence of wireless networks was accompanied during the study period (August 2003-May 2004) by an increase in adoption of encryption practices.
