In the 20th century empirical sociology possessed innovative methodological resources that granted it fairly exclusive access to understanding human social life. However, with the advent of digital technologies and increasing migration into the online world, this privilege started to shift into the hands of commercial entities. People of the 21st century now generate data with every step they take (both physical and virtual), and most of the current internet business models are built on the collection, analysis, and commercial utilisation of such data. The 'Digital Trace Data' left behind by billions of online users present an unprecedented opportunity for the study of their behaviour, characteristics, and social interactions. This article seeks to introduce readers to the world of Digital Trace Data and the three main areas in which such data are used: research, commerce, and surveillance. Examples of all three are given to illustrate the potential strengths, weaknesses, and associated risks. The article also seeks to provide warning of a future in which the largest repository of sociological data in history ends up locked behind the doors of commercial enterprises and government institutions.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.