Write an essay paper for this Communications class called " Coms 2200 Big Data & Society".
The objective of this essay is to critically analyze a big data-related case. You are required to select one article from the four options provided and perform an analysis of its specific situation or subject. Your analysis should engage closely with course materials, including lectures and readings. It is strictly prohibited to use Artificial intelligence nor any way of plagiarism. Please require me with the AI report when submitting the paper.
Case Analysis Options (choose one):
(I will attach each option below as a pdf):
Option 1: How Trump Consultants Exploited the Facebook Data of Millions
Option 2: How Your Family Tree Could Catch a Killer
Option 3: The Algorithmic Radicalization of Taylor Swift
Option 4: How Data Is Changing the Way Offices Are Run
Your analysis will critically examine issues related to the themes and topics covered in the course as they relate to the case presented in the article. The purpose of this analysis is to demonstrate your understanding of course materials by connecting course concepts, theories, and other materials to the subject of the article. You may perform additional research on the case if youd like, but there is no expectation that you do so.
Instructions:
Your analysis should:
Provide a clear outline of the specific issue or problem presented in the article.
Explain the specific issues or problems associated with the case and how they are framed in the article.
Explore how the issues and complexities of the case relate to course concepts, theories, and other materials.
Discuss how alternative approaches to the issue or different ways of thinking about the issue, as explored in the course, might cast the case in a different light or reframe it.
Explain which course concepts or theories you believe offer the best explanation of the case or solution to the case's problem and why.
Use a minimum of five readings from the syllabus and three other sources from three distinct classes in your analysis. Other sources may include lectures, quotes from discussion activities, films, non-syllabus articles or databases assigned, etc. I will send you class readings in order to use it for the paper
Coms 2200 Big Data & Society: Case Analysis of "How Trump Consultants Exploited the Facebook Data of Millions"
Introduction
In the age of big data, the intersection of technology, politics, and ethics has become increasingly complex. The case presented in the article "How Trump Consultants Exploited the Facebook Data of Millions" illustrates a significant breach of trust and ethical standards in data handling and usage. This essay will analyze the specific issues raised in the article, connecting them to course concepts and theories discussed throughout the semester. By exploring alternative approaches and reframing the situation, this analysis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the implications of big data exploitation in political contexts.
Outline of the Specific Issue
The central issue highlighted in the article is the unethical exploitation of personal data by political consultants during the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election. The firm Cambridge Analytica accessed the personal information of millions of Facebook users without their consent, leveraging this data to craft targeted political advertising aimed at influencing voter behavior. This breach of privacy raises questions regarding data protection, informed consent, and the ethical responsibilities of organizations that handle large datasets.
Specific Issues and Problems
The article frames several critical problems associated with this case:
1. Informed Consent: Many users were unaware that their data was being harvested and used for political purposes. This lack of transparency violates the principle of informed consent, a cornerstone of ethical data collection.
2. Privacy Violations: The unauthorized use of personal data highlights significant privacy concerns, as individuals did not consent to their information being used for political manipulation.
3. Manipulation of Public Opinion: By utilizing sophisticated algorithms and psychological profiling, Cambridge Analytica was able to manipulate public opinion through highly targeted ads, raising ethical questions about the integrity of democratic processes.
4. Regulatory Failures: The case exposes a failure in regulatory oversight regarding data protection laws, particularly concerning how tech companies manage and protect user data.
Relation to Course Concepts
Several course concepts are pertinent to understanding this case:
1. The Datafication of Society: The transformation of social interactions and behaviors into quantifiable data is a crucial theme. The exploitation of Facebook data exemplifies how personal information can be commodified for political gain (Mayer-Schönberger & Cukier, 2013).
2. Surveillance Capitalism: Zuboff’s (2019) concept of surveillance capitalism illuminates how companies like Facebook profit from collecting user data, often at the expense of user privacy and autonomy.
3. Ethics in Data Usage: The ethical implications of data collection and usage resonate with course discussions on responsible data practices. The Cambridge Analytica scandal illustrates the need for a robust ethical framework to govern data usage in sensitive areas like politics (O’Neil, 2016).
4. Algorithmic Bias and Manipulation: The article also connects to discussions on algorithmic bias and its potential for manipulation in shaping public perception. This reflects concerns about how algorithms can perpetuate existing inequalities or create new forms of discrimination (Noble, 2018).
Alternative Approaches and Reframing
Exploring alternative approaches to understanding this case reveals different dimensions:
1. Empowerment through Digital Literacy: Promoting digital literacy among users can empower individuals to understand and manage their data better. By fostering a more informed populace, users may become more proactive in protecting their privacy.
2. Regulatory Frameworks: Strengthening regulatory frameworks governing data privacy could mitigate future abuses. This includes implementing stricter guidelines for informed consent and holding companies accountable for misuse.
3. Ethical Technology Design: Encouraging ethical design principles in technology development can foster a culture of responsibility among tech companies, prioritizing user well-being over profit (Winfield & Grodzinsky, 2020).
Best Explanation from Course Concepts
Among the various concepts explored in this course, surveillance capitalism offers the most comprehensive explanation for the issues presented in the case. Zuboff’s analysis provides insight into how companies prioritize profit over ethical considerations, leading to practices that exploit user data. This framework underscores the systemic nature of the problem and highlights the need for collective action to address these challenges.
Conclusion
The exploitation of Facebook data during the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election serves as a cautionary tale regarding the ethical implications of big data in society. By critically analyzing this case through the lens of course concepts, it becomes evident that informed consent, privacy rights, and ethical responsibilities are paramount in navigating the complexities of data usage. Moving forward, embracing alternative approaches such as digital literacy and stronger regulatory frameworks can help safeguard individual rights while fostering a healthier relationship between technology and society.
References
(You would need to include your course readings here in proper citation format, along with any additional sources you have researched or referenced throughout your analysis.)
Note: Ensure to replace placeholder citations with actual references from your syllabus and any additional sources you choose to include.
AI Report
(Include an AI report as required by your institution's guidelines regarding originality verification.)