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Metrics and Analytics: LJ2

    After reading the article "We are data" by John Cheney-Lippold, I have understood that technology has become an important part of our interaction in personal and professional life. As the author mentions, our activity on the web provides us with an online identity that does not necessarily match our identity in real life (p.4). This interaction allows the algorithms created by different companies such as Google to create a database to offer us through its interpretation what we need, such as news that may interest us, advertising, etc. Since as the author mentions, this database is created by all the information that we enter on the web and/or on the pages we visit (p. 6). Hence the author's statement, with which I agree, that we are “data.” Since this database is created thanks to all the information that we provide voluntarily and anonymously.

    In fact, and as the author mentions, this database with which the algorithms have built our online identity is not static. Since it is constantly changing, and this is because our interactions tend to vary during the times, we visit the Internet (p. 26). Due to the volatility with which this information changes, our online identity is not 100 percent dependable. However, the failure of this identification gives users some freedom to interact anonymously, since only the pages we interact with are recorded and our real information is not stored. Considering the ease with which any platform can be invaded and expose its users' data, the fact that we do not constantly have to enter our personal information is a blessing.

    On the other hand, all the information that we provide, companies like Google have sought to get hold of companies that oversee advertising management towards users, such as DoubleClick to improve their vigilance towards the user (p. 20). As the author mentions, through this data these companies can acquire knowledge to know what to offer the consumer and how to improve their Internet browsing experience. Being our interaction a platform for large companies to monopolize everything we consume, see and acquire. Although it is true that all this is in search of improving the quality of user navigation, I consider that this type of "technological advances through algorithms" is very invasive. Since from my point of view the platforms have become a wall of advertising.

    Finally, by reading all this data in information provided by the author, I have understood why when I interacted with my platforms, they always showed me advertising or pages related to my last search. But even so, my interaction with the Internet would not change at all since, as I mentioned at the beginning, it has become part of our daily lives. However, it is important to find ways to protect my private information when I browse the Internet and to anticipate a possible vulnerability in the platforms that I normally use. Also, as a professional, it is important to know how to conduct myself through the Internet, since the reputation that is acquired on the Internet or bad habits can affect my real life.

Reference:

Cheney-Lippold. (n.d.). We Are Data : Algorithms and the Making of Our Digital Selves /. New York University Press.

Comments

  1. NathanJanuary 28, 2023 at 10:26 PM

    Hi Francesca. I agree that it is important to protect private information on the internet and to be mindful whenever you share any details about yourself. Having the ability to conduct yourself appropriately and use proper etiquette is an important skill now more than ever.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jewel HolidayJanuary 29, 2023 at 1:33 AM

    Hello, Francesca!
    I like how you highlighted how quickly online identities can fluctuate. This makes the information they offer somewhat questionable in its accuracy. I believe this is one major part of being chronically online that should make users pause and consider the type of digital footprint they're producing.

    ReplyDelete
  3. JacksonJanuary 29, 2023 at 5:35 PM

    Hi Francesca,
    You bring up a lot of good points regarding how companies get ahold of your data and how we have no idea what information is out there about us. It seems like companies are seeing people as consumers instead of people and they do not care about how invasive their advertising is if it works and produces a profit. I also like how organized and well thought out your blog post was!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Katelyn Hunter’s Learning JournalJanuary 29, 2023 at 8:12 PM

    Hi Francesca! I love the way you laid out all of your points and I have to say that I absolutely agree with you, especially about how invasive this algorithmic process is. I was honestly horrified reading We Are Data simply because of how invasive it felt that every little thing we research is tracked and connected.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Brooke MeadowsFebruary 5, 2023 at 10:53 AM

    Hey Francesca, I resonated with your interpretation of the reading for the week a lot. I agree that the systems and processes that big companies use to track or daata and out usage is very invasive, especially considering the general public is not aware as to what extent their data is being used. While it is unfortunate, I agree that in today's world it would be very difficult to stray away from using the Internet completely. The best we can do is be aware of sharing sensitive personal information.

    ReplyDelete

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