Big Data seems to be a very hot topic around society in today’s date. However, even with all of the talk surrounding this topic, it seems as though there are many misconceptions surrounding this topic. Big Data used to be talking about data sets that were too large or complex to be sorted through with standard processing hardware, and previously had to be dealt with exclusively via a super computer. This is no longer the case however, as a Routledge article by Boyd and Crawford suggests that these large quantities of data are now able to be analyzed via any regular desktop with enough processing power. That being said, we have opened up a whole can of worms about the availability and accessibility of our data online.
With all of the information that we are putting out online, these data mining and processing companies really have gotten to know us well. With all of our data readily available to big companies online, we have hit a major crossroads in our society. As we move forward, large corporations such as Oracle and many others have the power to use our data for our benefit, or purely for profit. They are able to use this data to improve our virtual experience, or benefit themselves. They have the power to make the internet a more user friendly place where the experience is tailored to the individual, but also have the capabilities to use this power to their own corporate benefit.
Doing some more research on Oracle following these questions, I have discovered that they have a whole page on their website dedicated to their policy of big data and their mission as a company to use it. Oracle states that big data can be use widely in a predictive sense for corporations, allowing them to stay ahead of the curve of the competition. By being able to track consumer trends and spending habits, they are able to know what you want, and how you want it, before you are even aware. While this is being used in majority to help the corporations, it actually is mutually beneficial, as the individual has wide access and availability to the goods and services they desire, as they want them. Companies such as oracle have streamlined the supply and demand process, leaving the only question remaining of whether or not it is ethical?
Personally speaking, I think it is great what they are doing, and strongly am in favor that this continues. As someone from the perspective of, “I have nothing to hide,” I think that it is great that businesses are able to better prepare to accommodate for the things that I want and will eventually need. I understand the argument that this data is my private business and companies should not be able to buy and sell the rights to the knowledge of my data and spending, but on the other hand it does not negatively affect me enough to the point that I am bothered by it.
Casteel, Heather, and Eytan Adar. “CRITICAL QUESTIONS FOR BIG DATA.” Taylor & Francis. Accessed April 3, 2020. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/1369118X.2012.678878.
“Oracle Big Data.” Oracle. Accessed April 3, 2020. https://www.oracle.com/big-data/guide/big-data-use-cases.html.
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