Introduction
You have no doubt heard about Big Pharma, Big Oil, and Big Box Stores. Well, today we are going to talk about something that is similar but in relation to internet reputation. This is going to be about Big Data. It is a term that was coined in 2001 at the height of internet expansion. It has everything to do with the collection of data. Back then it was much harder for them to get this information but today it is easier than ever. This is because of the way that we freely give away our information and invite people into our lives. So, let’s take a look at what Big Data is and what they are doing to profit from your life.
What is Big Data?
Big Data has been around for a while but there is a big uncertainty on what that term actually means. Much like the world around us, it is an ever-evolving term. What it was last year is not what it is today. However, we can define it as the collection of digital data that is retrieved by artificial intelligence, data science, and all things internet related.
How it Grew
Many people feel that Big Data is a new thing. This couldn’t be further from the truth. We just have a better way of collecting it now. In the past, companies would collect information from clients in order to deliver their products. This is still done today but it has evolved past that. We, as a society, freely give away our information. You may be thinking to yourself, “I don’t!” Well, do you play any games for free on your computer or mobile devices? Most of the time they provide you with a way to sign in with Facebook or Google. As you don’t want to remember hundreds of passwords, you take one of those options. Well, now that company has essential information about you. They know your age, who your friends are, and the approximate location of your home. They can now take that information and use it for themselves or sell it to others. That is the reason that you get all the spam emails and junk mail.
Concerns
It is only recently that people have become more aware of Big Data and what they are doing. This has led to many concerns on the part of the public. If you need proof of that, you needn’t look any further than the Facebook inquiry just a year ago. There was a breach of information and people were understandably upset about it. However, if you think that Facebook is the only company that is using your information in this way you are sorely mistaken.
Conclusion
Moving forward, we need to be ever vigilant about the information that we provide to companies to better maintain your internet reputation. They will get enough information from us in our daily lives. There is no reason to provide them with more information. The time is now to take back our privacy and show them that we are not happy about the way they are treating information entrusted to them by us.