Digital Privacy & Data Tracking
The concepts of digital privacy and data tracking are quite interesting to me for various reasons. As a user of technology, I do not really like the idea that my information and data are available online or in the cloud and potentially sold. Looking through a marketing perspective, which is my major, it is really beneficial for marketers to have the ability to gather users' information and data. Being able to access or buy others' information and data is beneficial for marketers because it helps to narrow down market segmentation and target specific people. As technology keeps expanding and more users of social media keep sharing personal information online, personal data keeps becoming more of a profitable commodity.
Based on varying opinions shared in the Pew Research Center report about the algorithmic influence I feel as though the overall effect of algorithms will be positive for us individuals and society. I do understand that algorithms have had negative impacts in the past but I feel as though the positive impacts they have had outweigh the negative. The way we are living currently with technology we rely on so many algorithms without really releasing it. Like: cooking recipes, email, instructions, and GPS directions.
Regarding the Facial Recognition Technology and Privacy case study, I thought it was interesting but I wasn’t that surprised. Personally, I feel as though when it comes to using technology and the internet there is no privacy whatsoever, even if you think there is. As I’ve gotten older I’ve been more and more careful with what I put out into my phone or any device. For example, even a simple Snapchat that I take and send to someone which is supposed to “instantly disappear” I don’t believe that. I don’t trust that it simply disappears. This topic of digital privacy/ data tracking is one that I’ve had conversations with my friends about. I’ve had a friend tell me before that when they are on the phone and specifically talking about business details, he always uses facetime audio because apparently the Apple audio is not recorded. I thought that was very intriguing and I wish to learn more and figure out if that is true or not.
An example that I thought about that connects to this week's topic is the Ring Doorbell Horror Stories:
When people buy these Ring doorbells they do it to have safety for their family, but in these rare cases, it causes them harm.