Hey, WhatsApp? this is covid, got data?
An interesting paradox, in the middle of a pandemic where social distancing is almost law, people naturally want to communicate. But what happens when the biggest platform for communication outside Facebook, WhatsApp, threatens to use your data?
In order to have some type of social life people want to interact on social media. Over 5 million users have moved to signal, a more data protected platform. However, this exodus could be a message to all social media platforms that there may be a cap on their earning potential. Or another alternative to Ad revenue has to be found. After all these platforms are a business.
Social media’s unethical ambition for more data isn’t new, it’s just supported by the pandemic quarantine. How long will signal collect millions of new users before they attempt to capitalize?. Is there a soft way to approach informing users that you’re stealing their data.? If all social media companies inform their users of their plan to collect data how will people communicate in pandemics?
Whatsapp privacy policy change can be read Here
Will other platforms take advantage of our innate desire to communicate during a pandemic by leveraging our data? Dating apps have skyrocketed during the quarantine. But there is hope, history tells another side of the story.
People have made it through quarantine in the past with less information, less entertainment. This is a great chance to discern our inability to be alone vs spending quality time by ourselves. But are you ready to do that?
How would you feel if you knew a private investigator was tracking your every move, purchase, and conversation? What if I told you that you willingly gave your information away to the private investigator?
If automation and the reset are to become a reality we need a smooth transition. In order to accomplish this big tech needs your data. Owned by Facebook and used by over 600 million people, Whatsapp sent a notification on privacy update, that it wants to share your I.P., and phone numbers to be sold for ad use.
Social media first and foremost is a business. This may be hard to recognize because it’s free to use. After 5 million people left WhatsApp, they decided to appease their audience in India which happens to be their biggest market.
If you’re unsure what to do about your data and want to learn more, read our review of former F.B.I. most wanted hacker, Kevin Mitnick’s The Art of Invisibility...Because it’s not just data collectors like social media sites but hackers that want your information as well.
In conclusion, social media isn’t a need, even during a quarantine, there are many skills and hobbies, books, and streaming services to occupy your time. Remember social platforms are a business, you’re the product giving them energy and attention only gives them power. They need you more than you need them..Take your time and attention back. With social media distancing?