Based on the readings (and the videos in the 06 Data & Information chapter) above, do you think that big data and data analytics introduce real threats to human culture or do they promise revolutionary changes that will ultimately benefit human life? What can we do to ensure that our digital technologies work to improve human and nonhuman lives?
Right now, I see big data as more of an immediate threat, but it also seems futile to resist because we’re all continually complicit in its spread. It really is a double-edged sword and it is easily abused. Whoever wields its power can use data for financial gain through behavior-monitoring or to track/eliminate dissidents. We need to make sure everything is above-board and stay constantly vigilant.
Big Data has its positives. It fosters social innovation and creates a more informed scientific community. Analyzing large amounts of data can give us more insight into carbon emissions, help increase quality of life, cure diseases, design better infrastructure, etc.
Ethical standards regarding the use of data must be imposed and closely monitored. It should be incredibly transparent and available to the public.
