Can We Stop Social Media Apps From Collecting Our Data?
When was the last time you thought about something and social media didn’t present an ad for that product instantaneously? You didn’t even talk about it; it was just a mere thought.
Thus implying that social media can creep into our minds and take a peek at what we’re even thinking about. Studies have shown that emerging technology also has the potential to forecast our personalities and know more about us than our friends and relatives. And it certainly does!
In today’s evolving world of big data, media giants like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other large corporations can now collect information about you. This data is collected through your device, Google searches, and things you like and post.
How does social media do that? Users can create their accounts on these platforms and give behavioral, preference, and demographic data about themselves. This information is gathered from what you post, like, accept, or search for on your devices.
Big data businesses and scientists then take this information and use it to create personas about you that can tell you your age and gender and what you like and dislike.
Essentially creating computer-based personalities based on data acquired from your gadgets, these personalities wind up knowing more about you than your family and friends.
What kind of information do they pick on?
Friends
Social networking applications that can keep track of your friendships- As frightening as it may sound, it may estimate who your close friends are by tracking your statuses, relationships, and activity updates. According to the Washington Post, Facebook asks explicitly for your permission to scan your connections for comparable persons on your social media sites.
These social media platforms can also help you identify new people to add to your networks.
So, how does one go about doing that? Social media platforms present you with a “request to access your phone and email contacts” dialogue box, which you may or may not have missed. If you ignored the terms of the agreement when you initially created your account- you are willingly divulging personal information.
However, even if you deny access to the permission- your social media experience is dulled down, and the applications cannot offer the same as what they could if they had your data.
Interests
How often have you gone on Facebook or opened your computer browser to discover advertisements for your favorite band or the makeup product you’ve been eyeing for a while? Quite often, you are correct. But why is that?
Media platforms can oddly track users’ activity and browser history. Networks can paint quite a picture of your interests by following users’ Facebook, Instagram, Twitter likes, and Google searches.
Location
Media platforms can track your whereabouts by using the location services supplied by your device. Different media platforms can sell cafes, stores, and even friends in your region using your device’s location data.
Thus, permitting your devices and media platforms to access certain information, such as your location and visited sites, gives you access to your daily routines, friends, and interests. However, is this kind of data collection and sharing a breach of privacy?
Some believe that “spying” on our digital footprint by media platforms is innocuous if it results in better user experiences. On the other hand, others consider this form of “digital snooping” to be ludicrous and disturbing.
With that in mind, the question arises: Can We Ever Stop Social Media Apps From Collecting Our Data?
Yes, it’s only possible if we collectively move away and take power from centralized media houses and switch to a decentralized social media platform.
The LoveChain is a decentralized network that is taking a step in that direction since it achieves the goal of providing members control over their data.
Furthermore, because traditional social media users are becoming more concerned about privacy, The LoveChain will set restrictions on the type and amount of advertisements to improve customers’ experience.
Users can harness blockchain technology to seize control of their data. The LoveChain has supplied these security precautions to each user and a rewards program that offers incentives for the approved exchange of a user’s data.
With the key theme of love, a platform is to be built with all of the functionality seen on existing platforms.
In addition, they’re envisioning a community of empowered users who have control over the exposure and transparency of their data.
The LoveChain social media platform gives each user the ability to regulate their data so that it is not utilized without their knowledge or reward.
Thus, answering the question and pushing users to switch to decentralization to put an end to data theft. You, as a user, will be treated with respect when it comes to your data and safety.
For more information on how The LoveChain is solving problems with social media by using blockchain technology follow them at here.
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