While I am not excited or pleased with the fact that numerous companies and retailers likely have troves of information on my habits and spending patterns, I do not necessarily think it is wrong. The readings on this matter show that companies are not forcefully taking this information from consumers without their consent in a way that a identity thief might break into someone’s house and steal tax documents. Companies gather their data from the purchases that one makes with a credit card or by posting a public status online. To me this is similar to companies analyzing paper receipts or campaign signs on a front lawn – both things that could have been done 50 years ago. I’m not so native to believe these things are completely analogous, but I do not think companies using modern technology to gain a competitive advantage is unjust.
Companies use advanced data mining and machine learning techniques to predict how consumers will act. The New York Times claims, “Almost every major retailer, from grocery chains to investment banks to the U.S. Postal Service, has a ‘predictive analytics’ department devoted to understanding not just consumers’ shopping habits but also their personal habits, so as to more efficiently market to them.” I do not mean to imply that the ends justify the means, but this field of innovative statistics has been pushed forward by the business incentives it provides, and as a result, researchers around the world are applying these same methods to make predictions about health and hazard concerns ranging from epidemic outbreaks to earthquakes. This is surely a positive byproduct that I feel often is completely left out of the conversation.
While I am not going to crusade against internet advertising and mass data collection, I do feel there are some changes that should be made. Firstly, journalistic “sponsored content” is something that I feel is wrong and has no place in online journalism. This marketing concept emerged in response to ad-blockers and low online newspaper subscriptions. This idea is that online reporting sources like the Huffington Post will write pieces that subtly endorse products or companies by nesting references to them in articles. This ruins journalistic integrity and runs counter to the goal of spreading news and information to the largest group of people possible. HBO’s John Oliver reported on this matter and perfectly described how it undermines the trust in a “free and independent press”
The other issue that I feel should be addressed is informing consumers on what is data is collected on them and how it can be shared. The problem arises when people unknowingly are exploited. For example, if Target is collecting information when customers purchase certain goods, it is fine if Target privately holds that information because by buying something at Target, the customer essentially consented to giving Target that information. However, if Target is selling that information to the government or other corporations, they are broadcasting your private actions to parties without your consent. While this is fine distinction to draw, I feel is important one that needs to be addressed.
timpusaterisite 