How Is Your Data Being Used?

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76% of users believe companies must do more to protect their data online



In this brave new data-driven world, "free" often translates to "you're the product they're selling."

Don't worry, it's not some dystopian conspiracy...
(although, how did they know I wanted that specific-shade-of-green dress?). 

It's just the reality of the digital age.

Every piece of information you share on a website, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, can be used by the owners of that website (read the Terms and Conditions). 

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not here to cause panic. But a little awareness goes a long way, right?

This post is inspired by a DataCamp course I took on "Responsible AI" (because, even robots need ethics), and it made me reflect on just how much information we give away online.

Now let's take a dive into the four types of user data that is collected and what is currently done with it:
 

 Types of Data Collected

Personal Data

This type of data includes information about you, such as your name, address, phone number, or email address. 

Engagement Data

This can include the pages you visit, the links you click, or the time you spend on certain sections.

Behavioral Data

Behavioral data captures your actions and patterns over time, this includes purchase history and frequency of visits. 

Attitudinal Data

This reflects your opinions, feelings, and attitudes and is collected through surveys, feedback forms, or social media interactions.


How Is It Used?


Optimize Customer Experience 

By analyzing viewing habits, search queries, and user ratings, Netflix provides personalized recommendations, enhancing user satisfaction.


Resell the Data 

Data brokers collect and sell consumer data to various companies. For instance, Acxiom aggregates data from multiple sources, including public records and online activities, to create detailed consumer profiles.

Targeted Advertising 

Facebook helps advertisers reach specific audiences more effectively. This precise targeting leads to higher conversion rates and better ROI for advertisers.

Product Development 

By analyzing how users interact with the app, what features they use, and their listening habits, Spotify can make data-driven decisions on what new features to introduce or how to improve existing ones.

Improve Business Strategy 

Analysis of purchasing behavior, search history, and user reviews allows Amazon to make informed decisions about inventory management, pricing strategies, and market expansion


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