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We Are Data: LJ2

 John Cheney-Lippold's We Are Data is sort of interesting and puzzling. He examines how algorithms use and influence our behavior. With this examination, he is able to explain "the internet" and how people can track all of our information. The author goes into great detail about self identity and how our information is being used out in the world. 

Celebrities are discussed as not actually being famous, but as just someone whose information is more displayed online and not confidential. Everything we search up or glance at on the internet is stored in files and is not safe. "In this case, Google isn't really accessing "fame." Google is creating its own proprietary version of it" (Cheney-Lippold, 2019). Algorithms are everywhere and they recreate us using our own data. They can categorize us as celebrities or even as terrorists; we don’t have a lot of control over who we are. This means that our identities as individuals are not useful to us, but are useful for someone else. 

With knowing all of this information, I don’t think my use for social media will change and if it does it will be less just because I need to take time on realizing reality for itself and not having the internet base that image for me. Professionally, it is as if you don’t want your parents or relatives seeing, then you shouldn’t be posting it. Using social media in a professional setting rather than a social setting is extremely different because when working you are supposed to let your workspace have your information while socially you do not need to share that unless wanted. From research I’ve looked into, I have seen that some of your employers are able to see all of the data and information you have seen or saved online, so it makes you very hesitant and cautious of what you like or post in a social setting. 

All our personal information and activities are being watched, such as we are being surveillanced. It is scary to think about, but we all know this won’t end. All that can be done is limiting the use of the internet and the information you put out about yourself.


Cheney-Lippold, J. (2019). We are data: Algorithms and the making of our Digital Selves. New York, NY: New York University Press.

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