Personally, I can't really see what all the fuss is about. We get targeted all the time even by using a storecard or this forum. So, for me, the real issue is, did the targeting involve the truth or 'fake news'?
Before you even get into the fake news & social driving the downfall of society issues - more pragmatic is how the data is attributed & who it is shared with as assumptions are made about you based on your interests & browsing behaviours. Obvious example is if you ever look at a flight, trip advisor chase you round the internet. However, say a family member might have a serious illness which you look up online which then prompts you to look at taking out life insurance. The browsing behaviour suggests to FB / data providers that you might have an illness which means they could then whack up your premium or not offer you the best deal. Works both ways. Best advice, log out of everything, say no to emailed receipts at tills & NEVER log in to free wifi
I’ve never had a Facebook account and can honestly say my life has never suffered because of it. In fact, I’ve missed a lot of birthdays and parties that I am glad I never knew of.
Its astonishing what people offer up. The analogy i always give to my kids is it like going to an empty beach you think you are enjoying on your own - then you go snorkeling & realise there is whole world beneath the surface that you never even knew was there that have been watching you.....
Some people get real paranoid when it comes to such things. They think "facebook" is trying to take away their soul and yet happily post all kinds of personal details about themselves! The worst thing that normally happens is that you get bombarded with tailored advertisements.. big deal. Granted it's a bit different when it comes to trying to sway elections.. but they got caught out doing that and i'd like to think it was a one off.
You're kind of making my point for me. I don't mind being 'targeted' due to previous usage on a number of fronts. I don't mind if the targeting is 'persuasive'. As long as it's truthful. The same goes for politics. That's all.
