Second Learning Blog
We Are Data Thoughts and Concerns
"By clicking "Accept all Cookies", you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts."
This "Cookie Consent" was taken off a beauty brand's website called Kylie Cosmetics, but it could have come from almost any website you peruse. When I see this pop-up I typically pick "Accept All Cookies" without even thinking about the ramifications of what I have just given my consent to. As you may know, these "cookies" are used to collect data on an individual through their internet usage. This tactic can help those in sales, marketing, public relations, and much more. However, it can also be used in harmful matters. "Cookies" can be hacked thus spilling information on the specific person it was assigned to. Then there are algorithms that use the collected data to determine who you are. This is not always accurate and can lead to unwanted attention if the algorithm determines you are a threat. However, these companies like Google that track users are not looking to accurately pin your exact age and gender. They are trying to collect data on your likes and dislikes. They then use a process called "transcoding" to interpret the data collected on an individual to determine what age, race, and gender group they fit into. This is done so that Google or other companies can target advertisements to the individual user. When taking all this information into consideration while using the internet it can seem a bit daunting. I have always known that anything I do on a smart device or computer was tracked, but when reading it in depth it just is a lot to take in. From a business standpoint, I see and from experience know that these targeted advertisements work to drum up sales. Yet, the fact that this information can be hacked and used to physically track a user's location is a bit unsettling. There is no escaping this phenomenon and as advancements are made things will get better and maybe even worse.
Hi Hannah!
ReplyDeleteI like how you covered on specifically the cookies and the pop-ups we see about the cookies. I personally never understood exactly what the cookies would be doing. I always accept the cookies so the screen goes away! In addition, sometimes I see certain ads that pop up that aligns with something I want or need. Accepting the cookies can leave footprints and traces as to where you have been and/or if we need external help.
Hi Hannah,
ReplyDeleteYou bring up a very strong point about the cookies and ads that pop up all the time when we are scrolling on the internet. I have always just hit accept when the "accept all cookies" ad comes up, but I never really understood what it was or meant. It's kind of scary that it could be a way of tracking all of our searches and everything that we do online. Now when the cookies pop up I am definitely going to reconsider clicking "accept."
Hi Hannah,
ReplyDeleteOut of all the blogs I read you're the first that I have seen to discuss cookies. Cookies definitely store data on the user, however, I would have to say whether you are accepting cookies or not your data and digital footprint online is still being stored somewhere. Rejecting cookies however may be a good way to have less data stored. Thank you for sharing and good post!
Hi Hannah,
ReplyDeleteHow our cookies are used online has always been something that I've thought about every now and then. The "Accept All Cookies" pop-ups usually prevent you from using the website without clicking the accept button. There is no transparency for why these websites need to collect our information other than transcoding our data. For some websites you can find a button that says "Allow Only Necessary Cookies" and I use that option most of the time, but most websites do not have that option.
Hi Hannah!
ReplyDeleteI am a big Computer nerd and I agree with Dillon on you being the only one to really bringing this important thing up. This is how big tech companies are able to target their ads toward you!
Hi Hannah,
ReplyDeleteI really like how you started off with the agreement for accepting all cookies. It was very cool, and your blog was super interesting to read about. I normally always click the "Accept Cookies" button without reading or understanding about what they do. In all honesty, I still don't understand why it continuously askes me for them. I can only find it acceptable from a business standpoint.
But even then, it feels kind of weird to know that they are collecting this data.
DeleteHi Hannah,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your hook! I relate as I as well always consent to the cookies, often without reading them. After reading your post and the text, I'm glad I'm more informed on the harmful side of this!