Maybe it’s because I have had access to social media since age twelve and am slightly desensitized now, but I have never been interested or even spooked by the idea of my data being sold. In the past, I have asked numerous people what it means when our data is sold, but I have never gotten a clear answer. That leads me to wonder if WE even know exactly what it means or why we should be afraid.
I know that putting your phone number into any online website can lead to an influx of spam texts, and talking about a product can result in personalized ads on your social media feed later that day. Is this what we mean when we discuss the dangers of selling social media data?
Today on Outside The Box, Ben talked about how Meta is giving Facebook and Instagram users the option to pay 10 euros ($10.75) a month to avoid personal data-related ads.
This way, people who are worried about their data security can pay to ensure their safety. They can scroll through their social media feed without seeing personalized ads or worrying about where their data might end up, and even better, those who aren’t worried about the risks can continue to use their free social media companies.
I realize that this might not be popular, but I think this makes some sense. When you consider the fact that we are banning TikTok because of the supposed potential Chinese government’s access to American citizens’ data, this new option seems viable. Instead of banning the social media app that so many benefit from altogether, maybe there are other options the U.S. government could explore.
I can recognize that my feelings toward sold data and other privacy concerns aren’t the norm. Most people will disagree with me and actually would feel much more comfortable using social media apps if they knew their data were safe. I just wanted to leave one more thought. Generation Z is the first generation who has had access to social media and technology since adolescence, so many of us do not remember life before cell phones, social media, and data that was available to be sold. For some of us, this is all we have ever known.
To hear the conversation from today’s Gen Z Perspective, click the player at the top of the episode and start listening at 44 minutes!
[Spreaker: Outside The Box] [pbs.org]
