Jennifer Golbeck: Your social media "likes" expose more than you think

The video explores the evolution of the web from a static space to an interactive platform dominated by user-generated content. It highlights how social media platforms like Facebook have enabled users to share personal data, leading to the development of predictive models that can infer hidden attributes. The video uses Target's pregnancy prediction as a case study to illustrate data usage. It discusses theories like homophily and information spread, and addresses the challenges of user data privacy, proposing solutions such as policy changes and scientific research to empower users.

What major change did social media bring to the web in the early 2000s?

• It made the web more static.

• It reduced the number of internet users.

• It allowed only organizations to post content.

• It transformed the web into an interactive platform with user-generated content.

How did Target predict a customer's pregnancy before it was announced?

• By using social media profiles.

• By hacking into personal emails.

• By analyzing purchase patterns and computing a pregnancy score.

• By directly asking customers about their personal lives.

What theory explains why liking a Facebook page can indicate personal traits?

• Quantum Theory

• Homophily

• Behaviorism

• Theory of Relativity

What is a potential solution to give users more control over their data?

• Encouraging more data sharing

• Developing scientific mechanisms to inform users about data risks

• Increasing the number of social media platforms

• Reducing internet access

What is the main challenge in implementing policy changes for data control?

• High cost of implementation

• Insufficient data available

• Complexity of the political process

• Lack of interest from users

Why is it said that users are the product on platforms like Facebook?

• Because their data is used for revenue generation

• Because they create all the content

• Because they own the platform

• Because they pay for the services

What is the ultimate goal of the scientific research discussed in the final section?

• To increase the number of social media users

• To reduce the amount of data shared online

• To infer as much information as possible about users

• To improve online interactions and give users control over their data