Big Data in My Daily Life
Today, my day began by filling out the ten page application document for the house I am planning to live in next year. The application required tons of personal information including my social security number, my birthdate, and my driver’s license number as well as a printed copy of my actual license. The application also inquired about my current residence, how much I am paying for where I currently live and why I want to leave my current residence. This is first way in which I felt myself contributing to big data for the day. Whether I like it or not, the company needs most of this information to realistically do their job well.
Later in the day, I went on Facebook. I don’t spend much time on Facebook, but I was taking a break from work in the library and decided to log on. One of the things I always notice about Facebook is that they know just how much I’ve been dying to order that adorable $200 Free People dress that I can’t actually afford. If I’ve been shopping online at all, Facebook does not let me forget. On one hand, I hate this. Seeing an ad for the item on Facebook just makes me want it even more, when maybe I had slightly pushed the thought to the back of my mind. But on the other hand, it still amazes me that the Internet can do this. Usually, I can resist being persuaded by the ads, but sometimes they get me. Revolve Clothing is one of my favorite websites when it comes to shopping online. They have free shipping and returns, which is very convenient. They also carry a lot of the brands I love. When checking out, using your online account makes things even easier by having your credit card and shipping information already saved.
This data, although only from a couple websites, says a lot about me. My gender, my style, my online shopping preferences, and the fact that I like the idea of accessibility and convenience when it comes to my online lifestyle are just a few of the details it reveals. I’ve realized over the years though, that I need to be increasingly careful about giving out information so freely to every website that asks for it.
Even if it was something I really wanted to do, I don’t think opting-out of my inclusion to big data would be a very feasible process. We don’t realize how much data we give away constantly, on a daily basis. Is there a way to “take back,” essentially, data that you have already given out? Or will it remain in a database of certain companies forever?
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I can completely relate with you on the leasing application. I am a leasing agent and deal with those applications on a daily basis. Honestly, all of the information that is asked is not used. The birthdate, social security number, and license number is used to for the background check. I am not sure about where you are living, but at my job anyone who has a felony is not allowed to live on the property. The information about where you currently reside, your rent payment, and why you’re moving are not used at my job.
I also agree with how you feel about the ads on Facebook. I often find myself wanting one specific item such as a certain pair of Rayban sunglasses. After a few days I’ll forget about them until Facebook reminds me, of course. I wish there were a way to get rid of the ads. I would actually probably save money if i wasn’t constantly reminded of my previous shopping searches.
My apartment complex also asked for a lot of personal information including my social security number. They run background checks on everyone who lives in the complex, which makes me feel a little bit safer living there. However, I also don’t like giving out my social security number liberally (as no one should). It makes me wonder if it’s worth it or if giving out our personal information really protects us or puts us more at risk.
Thanks for the post and the very interesting future question. This is in issue that is currently on the radar, politically. In 2014, the EU ruled that Google must provide a way for people to request to be removed from search results (see: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/06/technology/personaltech/right-to-be-forgotten-online-is-poised-to-spread.html). One question is whether this will spread worldwide. Of course, even this rule just requires that the material be removed from the search results, NOT from the original database. Some think that step is enough – but the information still exists. Tough questions to grapple with. And of course, as the article points out, do we always want to allow everyone to be forgotten in this way?
I can really relate to you on this post. This past spring when I signed my new lease, it just seemed like I was giving away every single bit of personal information I have. But you are right, for the company that owns the apartment complex, it is necessary for them to have this type of information.
On the other hand, I believe that the facebook ads are almost unfair. I know that whenever I shop on the internet, it seems like the exact thing I want most is what is always popping up when I log onto facebook. This got me thinking… I wonder if these websites are using the amount of time we spend on a certain page and using what was on that page as a selected advertisement for every user. I feel like that has to be a thing, because I know that whenever I really like something, I always read more about it and all of its reviews rather than I would if I did not like it as much. This type of big data is pure genius in my mind, because I know that is has gotten me to buy something just by seeing it a second time on the right side of my facebook page.