Data Search

Considering I spend most of my free time on social media, I was shocked to find that there really was no information on me when checking these specific links. I, obviously, understand that Google, Apple, Facebook, and all the other large social media giants are filing away information on all their users because if they were not, would they really be making any money? I also can infer this because well, every time I look at an online store, the very next time I sign into my Facebook account, it just so happens there is an ad advertising the exact piece of clothing I was looking at. This is most certainly not a coincidence. Looking at the Apple Maps Location History, I am so glad that I had that turned off. It would feel kind of invasive if I saw that Apple knew where I spent the majority of my time, or where I lived, or where I went to school. Even though they probably already know this information, seeing it would have made things too real. When taking a look at my Facebook history, I am not shocked to see really nothing on me. I really do not use Facebook anymore unless it is to communicate with my family overseas or to watch Tasty videos. Considering there is practically no information on me using these links, I am comfortable with it, but it also allowed me to realize how much I have not seen. Social media and the internet are a very large part of our lives, and honestly, if these companies are using the data to create better programs or make things easier on society as a whole, I really do not see a problem. However, if my privacy is being invaded just because, that is where an issue arises. Growing up, I was always taught to be cautious of my social media postings because it would ultimately impact my future. A few of my friends were denied full-ride scholarships to their top college choices due to inappropriate pictures posted on their "finsta" accounts. This was the first time I realized how much we expose ourselves to the world and how much random people know about us. Ultimately, it all leads back to you, and what you decide to post on your accounts defines you in today's time. It is important that we are cautious and try to keep everything as private as possible, even if we really have nothing to hide.