Do you ever wonder where your data goes? Or who’s using it? You’re not alone. Publicis Sapient, a digital business consultancy, recently released a survey concerning how much consumers know about where their data goes. The survey tells us that 61% of international participants admitted that they know very little, or nothing at all about where their personal data is stored and what companies do with it.
Over 5,000 adults in the U.S., U.K., Germany, France, and Australia participated in the survey this summer. 40% of the respondents shared that they feel their data is worth more than what they are currently receiving. The thought of companies storing data indefinitely was an unpopular idea. If they knew that companies could easily delete their data, 32% of respondents said they would share even more data.
The survey shows that there is a significant concern about data collection across the globe. Consumers are anxious about where their data goes, and what it’s being used for, but data collection will not be stopping any time soon.
The new Netflix documentary, “The Social Dilemma” talks with tech insiders to understand these big social media corporations’ mindsets. The success of their business models depends on data collection. For example, the algorithms they use to determine what we want to see next could not function properly without a constant influx of consumer data. More screen time for us means more data for them, so they do whatever they can to get us to pick up our phones. This is contributing to a toxic culture surrounding social media and other online platforms. Not only are we becoming attached to our devices, but our online data is being collected and used at an alarming rate
The documentary’s key takeaways are that the industry needs regulation surrounding data collection, and consumers need to take action to protect themselves. The corporations will need to reframe their financial incentives so that their success does not rely on their consumers’ technology addiction. As individuals, we can avoid recommendations, ignore click-bait, and set limits for screen time.
