So Much Big Data
On Friday January 15th, I noticed several instances where I encountered providing information for big data. I also noticed that I would typically provide this information without any thought before this assignment. I now realize that before this class I never gave big data much thought.
While bored at work I found myself searching several different potential vacation locations for spring break online. I noticed that several of the sites that I visited afterward had either Expedia or a groupon vacation deal advertised somewhere on the site. When logging on to Facebook, a groupon deal for an all-inclusive Cancun trip was advertised on the side of the page. I had a similar situation when doing some online shopping.
While logging onto my Amazon account, one section states, “Inspired by your shopping trends.” In this section were Rayban sunglasses. I remembered searching for Raybans on a site called Overstock.com a few days ago, and somehow amazon had been aware of that. Below this was another section called “recommendations for you in pet supplies.” Amazon is obviously aware that I am obsessed with my dog as well from the large amount of pet supply purchases I have made online.
As I continued my vacation search, I encountered a site called Airbnb.com. This site allows owners of condos rent out their units to vacationers. When creating an account, my options were to sign up via Facebook, Google, Amex, or email address. Since I have a Google email address, I chose the Google option. Then instantly the website says “Hi Cheyenne!” along with my Gmail photo now on my Airbnb account. So now Airbnb has my name and photo that was associated with my Gmail account and who knows what else! And I suppose that just wasn’t enough information because after booking a condo through this site, I was then required to verify my identity by scanning my driver’s license via webcam. I tried to cover my license number, but it would be not accept with any part of the license being covered. I was very hesitate to continue, but ended up going through with it after speaking with a friend who previously went through the same procedure.
Based on the little data given on Friday, one may assume my desired vacation destinations, my style, and my obsession for my dog. Could the Internet potentially book a vacation for me based off my recent searches? Also, will there ever be a way to choose whether or not you want your online searches to be monitured?
I can really relate to your post, the second paragraph in particular. I do my shopping predominantly online, so I know that I probably leave a relatively substantial data trail. Your reference to searching specifically resonated with me; I find that even when I don’t necessarily purchase anything, my search history alone results in advertisements popping up all over the place within my browser. Most of the time it straddles the line between convenient and annoying, but I guess it just goes to show how pervasive big data are in the way we do things. Lastly, I like the question that concludes your post. I think it’s one that’s a real hot topic now and will ultimately continue to be one moving forward.
Thanks for your post. There are search engines that offer a service that doesn’t track you. However, in my experience, Google is really good at what it does, so there tends to be a noticeable difference in quality of the results. Check out https://duckduckgo.com/ for example, though.
Also, please make sure you add a featured image to this post.