Module 4| 1’s and 0’s

This last module tackled some issues of the methods that our data is manipulated, and how it came to be that such data came to be synonymous with our being. We delved into some social history that explained the early uses of data acquisition to monitor and act upon certain prejudices. The use and implementation of certain methods to track characteristics; this often seems to be associated with devilish intentions, as is the case with redlining practiced by the bank system in the first decade of the 20^th century. However, not all projects that seek to gather information have these ill intents in mind when setting out. Most projects seek to gain access to this data to better understand or describe a specific trend, modality or occurrence in our environment.

As with any collection of intelligence, it can be used as malignant information for causes that seek to take advantage of, or establish their dominion over, a specific area. All of this becomes possible via our data, it has come to be tantamount to who we are, representing out habits, likes, and agendas. In this age of digital literacy, the fight for who owns this data has been at the center of many great conflicts of our time. It comes to fruition in events like political races and hot topics, where people are systematically categorized or lured away from their belief system to benefit a second party.

The digital age will not bring forth a ‘cyber-war’ for our data, that has already commenced with e-mail tampering and fraudulent scams that rob our identity based on a 9-digit social security. No, the digital age will come to a tipping point where our data will become more valuable than any currency or good. Giving the possessor the ability to control entire populaces based off our 1’s and 0’s our preferences and dislikes.