Implication of Tech Companies collecting the data from its users

LIS 160 #5

Personal data is often compared to oil—it powers today’s most profitable corporations, just like fossil fuels energized those of the past. - Louis Matsakis

I have been using social media applications such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Google for a decade from now. I have experienced multiple surveys and data collection made by the app to know how I frequently use their app and what improvements should they do to improve the quality of their service. According to Ellingwood (2017), Collecting user data is common practice in modern websites and applications as a way of providing creators with more information to make decisions and create better experiences.

Collecting, storing and analyzing the data from users can help the tech companies to fulfill the expectations and its objectives. In addition, breaking down the data collected can help them understand the behavioral engagements of its users to refine the effectivity of their services. However, there are downsides of gathering information about users. The data privacy act may enter if tech companies are mishandling personal data or using it to perform an illegal act.

Through the years of using these social media apps, I can see the difference and improvements of their service by gathering my information to personalize and make it fit to be a friendly user app.

Reference:

Ellingwood, J. (2017, September 26). User Data Collection: Balancing Business Needs and User Privacy. DigitalOcean Community. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.digitalocean.com/community/tutorials/user-data-collection-balancing-business-needs-and-user-privacy.amp

Matsakis, L. (2019, February 15). The WIRED Guide to Your Personal Data (and Who Is Using It). WIRED. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.wired.com/story/wired-guide-personal-data-collection/amp

Note: Three times edited to add the exported data from my google account and facebook account. Thank you!

Related posts:

Chronic Stress is Quite different to Everyday Stress and could be destroying your Quality of Life. Many times everyday Stress is not all that bad, without it you or I wouldn’t necessarily be…

To all the caged birds, to all those who feel locked up, your wings clipped, useless for what they’ve been given to you for: freedom. Flight. Pure happiness, the joy of feeling the breeze on your…

It is easy to fall into the trap of neglect, forgetfulness, procrastination, and ingratitude. Take a pause… If you are falling into the habit of any of these risky behaviors it is likely the result…