In week 9 there was a talk from Dr Bonnie Stewart from the University of Windsor on Datafication. I am not up to date with any data issues or how they affect me personally when using different digital tools and platforms so this talk, and the subsequent talks surrounding cybersecurity, were interesting information. I would not have sought this information out for myself so I am glad it was brought to me so I could reflect on how it affects me.
Dr Bonnie Steward mentioned this quote “with every keystroke, we leave traces, clicks, patterns, that can be monetized, consolidate and sold”. These words resonated with me and brought the stark reality of our consumerist systems back into the forefront of my thinking and being. It is easy to forget that we are being watched and observed for data with everything we do online whether we are conscious of it or not. We have unknowingly given our consent, which in turn, gives our power over to companies who then sell our information for profit. It is a scary thought that this is happening and where this will lead us in the future.
Dr Bonnie Stewart also mentioned that it is difficult to have any truth within these online spaces. As a mother, this is also very concerning as children are growing up in a world where misinformation is the norm. How do we ensure we are teaching our children to look out for the truth and not assume everything they are presented with is real? It is an interesting time and I wonder what more awareness of datafication and cybersecurity issues will do to ensure the safety of the next generations.