Social Media Metrics and Analytics: LJ3
Reading about all of the different ways social media sites and companies use metrics and analytics to gather information on their users is amazing. The fact that so much information is being collected does not necessarily bother me. What bothers me is the fact that these social media companies are making so much money from collecting, analyzing, and selling users' personal information. To make matters worse, companies like Facebook do not always comply with privacy laws (Lipschultz, 2021).
On the other hand, much of the analytical strategies used by social media companies are aimed at enhancing user experience. I personally enjoy when Instagram and TikTok suggest content that is related to content I have previously "liked" or shared. To my understanding, this is just one of many functions made possible through the collection and categorization of data. It seems as if social media companies and the businesses who use social media to bring attention to their brand capitalize on the fact that user data is so important in making them money.
Honestly, I have already known that social media and the Internet collect user information and gain from it. Knowing the specifics of how and what they are doing does not deter me from using social media. Nothing extremely important or sensitive/personal information is shared by me, so I do not care a whole lot about the collection of my digital trail. While it does not bother me, I will admit I think it is kind of weird that they are allowed to collect all of this information and use it their advantage, while the individual users do not gain.
Lipschultz, J. H. (2021). Social Media Communication: Concepts, practices, data, Law and Ethics. Routledge.
Hi Mia, I think from a business standpoint using the data collected on individuals can really help bring in profit. The targeted advertisements we see today is a great way to bring online traffic to a company's website. It is a very profitable marketing plan to use targeted advertisements to drum up sales and interact with consumers. However, with this does come with the fact that hackers can get that information, as well as the data being used incorrectly.
ReplyDeleteHello Mia, I agree with you that social media companies are making so much money from collecting, analyzing, and selling users' personal information giving us no privacy in surfing through the web. I think we should have a freedom and security at the same time so we can get a better social media experience.
ReplyDeleteHi Mia! I think that for many businesses data that is collected from your phone can be very beneficial to bring in new customers and gain revenue. Social media has turned into such a strong way to promote and sell products and services. This is important to boost a companies following and reach targeted audience members. Great job!
ReplyDeleteHey Mia,
ReplyDeleteThe readings help define how companies utilize algorithm, and its also easy to understand how this could be interpreted as an invasion of privacy. I also find it strange that they are permitted to gather all of this data and use it for themselves with no benefit to the individual users.
Hi Mia! I honestly was very perturbed by the information collection and distribution at the beginning of this class but now feel fairly similar to you. It’s uncomfortable and odd that companies are allowed to collect the data they do but at the end of the day, none of the information I am allowing out is harmful and it leads to be being able to access content and products I like and am interested in so all in all, it’s not as big of a deal to me anymore.
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