There are a few social science and economic theories that relate to the sample breach letter. One being an economic theory known as game theory. This explains how decision making influences people’s reactions, almost as if they are playing a game to minimize economic problems. The company may have delayed notifying people about the data breach because they were figuring out the best thing to do or they did not want their reputation to be damaged. Another economic theory is known as information asymmetry. This means that one side knows more than the other, in this case it would be the company versus the consumer. The company knew about the breach and the consumer did not. One social science theory in the breach letter is trust. In the letter the company addresses the breach and then provides information on how they are fixing it and what the consumer can do in the meantime, this can establish trust. Another social science theory is known as social control. By giving steps to the consumer on what to do next, like contacting their bank or the authorities, it keeps everyone under control while trying to fix the issue at hand.
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