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Why is online privacy so important? (sh.itjust.works)

submitted 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) by BigBootyBoy@sh.itjust.works to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

49 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Firstly, I'm not against privacy or anything, just ignorant. I do try to stay pretty private despite that.

I wanted to know what type of info (Corporations? Governments? Websites??) Typically get from you and how they use it and how that affects me.

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[–] GrammarPolice@lemmy.world 3 points 1 month ago (4 children)

Now i have another question. What's the issue if they're ONLY using this info to improve my experience or make sensible business decisions?

[–] WolfLink@sh.itjust.works 8 points 1 month ago (1 children)

They are using the info to engineer more efficient ways to separate you from your money. It’s not a benefit to you in any way.

[–] GrammarPolice@lemmy.world 2 points 1 month ago (2 children)

I would have to assume that if I'm buying the product, i want it

[–] mrcleanup@lemmy.world 6 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

Hey guys, this right here is a super valuable point to address and really strikes straight to the heart of the ability of a system like this to give the illusion of choice. People absolutely will still think, despite this, they are still in control and we need to address it not dismiss it.

I'm undoing the downvote on this comment, it absolutely is a big part of the conversation, even if you think it's naive.

[–] WolfLink@sh.itjust.works 4 points 1 month ago

It’s naive to think you can’t be influenced into buying things you wouldn’t otherwise.

Also there’s the matter of pricing: they’ll get you to pay as much as possible, either by pushing more expensive versions or by actually changing the price you see on websites like Amazon.

[–] tiddy@sh.itjust.works 6 points 1 month ago

"Improve user experience" tends to mean if you're poor, the lowest level of hell isn't gonna compare to how shitty of an experience they'll give you

[–] abbenm@lemmy.ml 3 points 1 month ago

What’s the issue if they’re ONLY using this info to improve my experience

Suppose they start out entirely benevolent. That commitment must be perpetually renegotiated in upheld over time. As the landscape changes, as the profit motive applies pressure, as new data and technologies become available, as new people on the next step of their careers get handed the reigns, the consistency of intention will drift over time.

The nature of data and privacy is such that it's perpetually subjected to these dynamic processes. The fabric of any pact being made, is always being rewoven, first with little compromises and then with big ones.

[–] fart_pickle@lemmy.world 2 points 1 month ago

They don't use it only for improving user experience. Based on a user profile they can bump your premiums just because you posted a photo on a snowboard (risky activity) or they can deny you a loan because someone posted on your timeline that you own someone some money.

Also based on your profile you are manipulated to buy products/services you don't really need.