We Are Data Analysis: LJ2

 

 

Everything we post, browse, and click on within the internet has consequences, I believe. The identities that Google, Facebook and big tech assume are just that. Assumptions. Our digital identities are altered, they are altered to fit the analytics of big tech and to push their narrative. 

Data collection consume everything we do in our lives. Our footprint we leave behind has an everlasting affect. Posting, browsing, searching; it is all collected, watched, and analyzed whether we realize it or not. We've all experienced it, having a conversation and next thing you know when you are shopping on Amazon things you mentioned pop up, as products, ads, etc. Not only is big tech involved but so is the very own government so many Americans "trust". Although we assume the government intentions are for national security and privacy, we may never truly know. "The different layers of who we are online, and what who we are means, is decided for us by advertisers, marketers, and governments." (Cheney-Lippold, 2017). We are not who we think we are when we spend time online, and if fact, it is quite frightening that sites, advertisers and government presume our identities based off online actions and history. 

As far as personal use on social media, my time spent is very limited, my information listed is scarce. Even if the account says it is private, there is still doubt that lingers in my mind. It is not private. In a professional capacity, social media should be used as such, professionally. The image you portray can have effects on potential network opportunities, future jobs and professional growth. I believe even if you are using social media for personal use, it should be kept clean and professional. Companies are not just going to look at your LinkedIn, but your LinkedIn, your personal Facebook account, Instagram and so forth. 

The issue of privacy poses ethical concerns in multiple aspects. Is penetration into someone's life at this intensity morally and ethically right? Are companies approaching this from a utilitarian perspective? Where invasion of privacy does more good towards technological advances. I do believe it is for a reason. That reason is unknown, however, we can infer plausible reasons. One obvious reason is to make money. If we can determine a potential identity we can cater media seen and heard through ads, products and other marketing ploys. If we can recognize faces and perhaps moods then we can showcase content based around such looks. This list can go on and on. Our wildest theories may in-fact be true, but there is no stopping it. The correct course of action is keeping your participation in social media at an absolute minimum, and if that is not your cup of tea; then at least keep it clean and professional.

Cheney-Lippold, 2017. We are data: algorithms and the making of our digital selves. New York, New York University Press.