We Are Data Response: LJ2
From the We Are Data reading, I felt that it focused a lot on self-identity and how much information and data is being shared out there. I felt that this reading was very genuine and honest about the views of online identity. It mentions a lot about how the information we see on social media does not necessarily represent the reality.
On page 6, Cheney-Lippold states how our true, authentic self is now put in the past due to the sharing of data and information. He adds on by saying that the algorithm on different platforms also mold us into different versions of ourselves. I would say this is very true as we will not always find ourselves seeing exactly the same content or exact content that represents who we are. Or if we watch or search for something that does not represent the stereotypical age and gender of ourselves, the website will assume the stereotype, rather than who you really are. For instance, if a young boy was watching Barbie for entertainment, Youtube will most likely think the person watching this is female. This is also similar to what we do in real life. If you have multiple friend groups, your personality will most likely be adjusted to fit each setting.
This has made me more aware of how I am perceived online. Because of this, it can lead to a lot of different assumptions and even misunderstandings about who people really are. I would say I am pretty good with not oversharing any personal information. Understanding the different perceptions people on the other side of the screen might have about you, will create a stricter and formal manner in language and expectations in a professional setting. To me, this is a great first impression to make. On the other hand, it creates a portal for people to fake certain aspects to share in the professional setting. Therefore, in a professional environment, sharing data before meeting can be a little unreliable.
It has also been stated in the reading that we are all layered. This just means that we acquire different characteristics of ourselves online and offline. For instance, TikTok may assume I am someone who lives in Vietnam, while Twitter may think I am someone who easily gets heartbroken. These layers can have an influence on people's everyday lives.
Reference
Cheney-Lippold, John (2017), We Are Data, "New York University Press," 978-1-4798-5759-3
That is a great point how we are all automatically categorized as data subjects as well. This is why the automation of data collecting and performing functions is not reliable all the time. While this may save time for passive data collecting, it does not make it worth it because the data will be flawed by automated categories.
ReplyDeleteI also believe that misleading and wrong assumptions of your online identity are common problematic issues when it comes to sharing information through online platform actively or when algorithms collected and analyzed data from us passively. And how we are online are mostly based on calculations of machines and AI rather than our true selves which is why I also people should be stricter in managing their identity online.
ReplyDeleteI agree with many of your viewpoints. It is true that the identity that social networks make of us is not a genuine representation. Therefore, the assumptions that the algorithms create make the online user not represent our gender, age, but our interest and our daily browsing on the Internet. Thus, as you say, in the different groups of friends and in all of these, they do not necessarily know our personality in depth, but rather our interests.
ReplyDeleteHi Jenny,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your thoughts on if you were to search for something on the internet that doesn't exactly represent yourself, the website can assume who you are by your search. This is as if the internet were judging you before getting to know you. Now obtaining all the information, I am also very aware of how I am perceived online.
I agree that many assumptions can be made about you based upon what you post, and the data that is posted about you. These assumptions can misrepresent who you are, what you stand for, and so much more. This can create a lot of problems and a perception of yourself that is far from the truth.
ReplyDelete