Data are facts and statistics that are assembled for reference, reflection, and/or analysis. Data collection has a wide range of forms, primarily being self-assembled information about individuals, information about individuals collected by other people, and community oriented information intended for purpose. Like the reading says, data facilitates and supports narratives. Media technologies have the capability to capture data and present it in ways that people respond to, which is exactly why statistics are so frequently used to support things such as news stories and consumer products. Because technology has become such an integral part of modern western society, data collection has become more prevalent than ever. Our data is constantly being collected with and without our knowledge as we use media platforms such as google maps, social media, email, and almost every other online resource. Like the reading touches on, the concept of freedom is debated in data collection. Although data collection can be an autonomous action to serve oneself, data collection that is controlled by external entities is meant to serve a greater purpose. Data collected through media platforms such as Facebook, which controls various social media apps, intentionally collect mass amounts of data with the intent of increasing profit. The more data that is collected from its users, the more precise algorithms become, thus increasing the appeal to use the app. Additionally, data collection has made online shopping incredibly easy, as instagram adds are spot on with showcasing products that appeal to each user. It is no coincidence that the ads that we see showcase exactly what products we’d been wanting or that appeal to us, this is just a clear example of the power of data collection.
2 thoughts on “Data- Chloe Whelan”
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I think that data collection within today’s age of modern technology is an extremely relevant notion, I agree with you on that. I believe that our personal data collection is mediated through the browsers and forms of online media the user is using, where that the data collection is out of the user’s control, and ultimately, the user may be unknowing of this data collection. That stands a problem and I wonder where the line of the invasion of privacy exists within data collection?
Something I never made the connection to until you mentioned google maps is how much data that app collects. Not only is the app collecting information about what the world looks like, but the places and their links, addresses, pictures, and phone numbers. The app also collects how many cellular data users are on the road to track traffic flow. Another interesting yet scary fact about this app is that the iPhone now shows a blue arrow when your location is being collected. This arrow is not only limited to maps, but also appears while other apps are opened and even after they are closed as well.