In the last few years, social media networks have changed how individuals communicate and interact by creating interaction and information sharing channels. They serve as the driving force for communication,, an theyparetant aspect of our lives. While topping on the mock-up of such activities appears to be the sole intent, closer scrutiny of the water reveals a complex web of data collection and analysis, hence the underlying cultural, legal, and ethical quandaries.
One of the heated issues around social media is the practice of data assessment in political campaigns. By narrowing down the electorate’s orientations based on the digital phenotype, political groups can potentially manipulate the public minds and perceive the democratic tradition in a new way (Marino et al., p.5). Moreover, the data-driven approach provoked the appeal in the potential of unfounded campaign manipulation. Additionally, the film illustrates how the companies involved in the data collection and trading of personal data, as described in the documentary ‘Terms and Conditions May Apply,’ may pose serious issues relating to the safety and protection of private information. Companies using such tracking cancan collect precise information about an individual’s online browsing and use data mining technology with complex algorithms to determine Internet users’ offline habits and preferences (Saarikko et al. 828). This information not only allows computer marketing and careful steps against illegal actions like government surveillance or corporate espionage but also presents risks for such actions.
The TikTok transmits an image in which Western countries and digital services can be utilized to achieve geopolitical goals. Through TikTok’s comprehensive data collection from the globe’s users, the Chinese power can conveniently manipulate TikTok to give it the upper hand in the geopolitical front (Marino et al. 4). This explains the need to support democratic rights with common social interests on the same level. Compared to the past, people’s vast social media use has resulted in unbelievable practices ancient times to be acceptable today. Privacy comes to change, with people willingly including their details in checking for likes, and sharing is so widespread that many make it unconsciously without overthinking about the consequences (Saarikko et al. 826). thereIt is a significant power shift to technology giants and states, which makes room for exploration and manipulation.
To address these challenges, people can support organizations that are campaigning for the privacy of information and reach out to the public through communication about digital ethics and by being actively involved in making policies and regulations to protect individual rights in the digital sphere. Take an instance where one could join or contribute to groups such as Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) (Saarikko et al. 826). These organizations aim to ensuree digital privacy and civil liberties are protected. Consequently, involving oneself in town halls and county government meetings and reaching elected officials to express data privacy worries is essential as it spreads word of mouth and changes policy direction. Through these acts, citizens can actively participate in pressing for their rights in the digital age.
In conclusion, social media indeed shows the way we communicate and connect. However, a melange of cultural, legal, and ethical questions arose also arose. As we travel in the data-driven age, it is essential to remember that we need to be proactive and use our technology. In addition, it would be great to stay aware of how our data is used and being abused. Joint action and advocacy must be the top key to influencing the rights and freedoms of the digital age. In order to tackle these issues, people can back a group fighting for internet users’ rights, take part in debates about online ethics and be proactive in formulating laws that will protect individuals’ rights in the online environment. By applying the measures mentioned above, we can ensure that the advantages of digitalization include the security of fundamental rights.
Works Cited
Marino, Gabriele, and Massimo Leone. “The Legal Semiotics of the Digital Face: An Introduction.” International Journal for the Semiotics of Law-Revue internationale de Sémiotique juridique (2024): 1-7.
Saarikko, Ted, Ulrika H. Westergren, and Tomas Blomquist. “Digital transformation: Five recommendations for the digitally conscious firm.” Business Horizons 63.6 (2020): 825-839.
write