Social Media in the Crosshairs: Introduction (03:53)

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Hazel Henderson summarizes part one of her program on the Internet's contrasting functions in Russia, China and the U.S. Today she will examine its commercial use by corporations with unethical business models that compromise privacy and are advertising funded.

Big Data Overview (04:14)

NASA Chief Scientist Dennis Bushnell outlines data analytics and sensors. Government, the medical establishment, companies, and criminals collect personal data. It can be used for employment discrimination; Bushnell's data was exposed during a government breach.

Internet of Things and Consumer Privacy (03:00)

An international survey showed people want increased data protection. Bushnell discusses the surveillance society in which anyone can collect and sell personal data and composite complete characterizations of an individual. Online behavior reveals interests, personality, proclivities, hopes, fears, and desires.

Protecting Privacy (02:06)

Individuals can try to stay off the web, minimize credit card and online banking use, decline cookies, and disconnect phone and car navigation reporting systems. The "New Scientist" lists alternative platforms for opting out of personal data collection.

Public Apathy (02:28)

Bushnell says many Americans do not understand or are not concerned by personal data collection. Henderson has found that many people are resigned to a society without privacy.

Positive Big Data Effects (03:04)

Bushnell argues that personal data collection has improved government; targeted advertising may save consumers time and effort; and the Internet provides universal access to information and supports the Gig economy. He advocates for payment for the use of personal information.

Orwellian Society Hypothesis (01:52)

Bushnell discusses Yuval Noah Harari's book "Homo Deus" about data analytics making decisions, rather than human free will. The gradual development of personal data collection has made us complacent.

Internet Pros and Cons (04:50)

Henderson talks about Kurt Andersen's book "Fantasyland" addressing gullibility, conspiracy theories, and individualism in U.S. culture that have led to social media siloes. Bushnell argues that access to information is a positive trend, overall; personal data collection has improved national security.

Credits: Social Media In The Crosshairs (00:60)

Credits: Social Media In The Crosshairs