Metrics and Analytics- LJ3

 This week we were assigned to read Social Media Metrics and Analytics. I think this chapter relates well with the “We Are Data” reading. The reading discussed several topics; all including the usage of data over social media sites. I found it particularly interesting that monetization in social media has promoted companies to seek out more different types of data; it really exposes some ulterior motives in advertising. “..."monetization has meant that increasing amounts of data are seen by companies…" (Lipschultz, n.d.) I believe that companies have far too much access to personal information as well as data when it comes to what they utilize when making their advertisements. It is incredibly unethical to sell personal information as well as to seek it out as means of manipulation. There is a huge lack of transparency when it comes to data collection and storage. Majority of the people that utilize the internet are not fully aware of everything that is being done with their data; this is largely due to the fact that it is not made clear by the organizations collecting the data. On a large scale, this can happen when a company sells a list of email addresses to another company as means for advertisement. A less obvious version of this manipulation would be banner advertisements on other websites. The amount of data being shared and stored on the internet is unfathomable. With all of this in mind, I still do not plan to alter my personal social media usage. I try to be as smart as conveniently possible when it comes to what I post; I use common sense and do not post hurtful or offensive things. However, I am not going to go out of my way to think about the fact that my data is being collected every single time that I post. In a professional sense, I believe that keeping as many social media accounts as possible in private mode is the best way to go. It helps to somewhat protect your information as well as filter the people that have access to such information. Overall, there should be more implications put in place to protect internet users. They should be made more aware of what their information is being used for as well as have more of a say in where their personal information goes.

#USFLIS4380SMS20


Lipschultz, J. H. (n.d.). Social Media Communication; Concepts, Practices, Data,Law and Ethics; Third Edition. Retrieved from https://platform.virdocs.com/r/s/0/doc/1557490/sp/211168402/mi/639596565?cfi=%2F4%2F2%2F22%2C%2F1%3A287%2C%2F1%3A287

Comments

  1. Sydney CharalambousFebruary 22, 2023 at 7:48 PM

    Hi Brooke,
    After learning about how all our information is being used and stored on the internet, I find it funny how you know that your usage on social media still won't change because I feel like most people would want to change their spending time, but I also agree with you because I wouldn't change mine either. I think it's because we both understand and are smart when online. I also agree with keeping our information private and by obtaining private accounts instead of having them out in the open.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jordan GloverFebruary 22, 2023 at 8:53 PM

    Hey Brooke, I agree that selling personal information without the user's knowledge is highly manipulative and unethical. However, I believer there could be a possibility that these things are listed in the "Terms & Conditions" page before we sign up for social media accounts.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Keira ConlonMarch 28, 2023 at 2:03 PM

    Hi Brooke,
    I really agree with your take on the unethical nature of collecting data to monetize off of us, it's sickening! However, to play devil's advocate- it does better cater what I'm looking for directly through me. I can't even count the amount of times I've bought something off of an Instagram ad as it appeared about 30 seconds after I was thinking about it.

    ReplyDelete

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