I try to make my relatives understand that this is something important, to put forward rational arguments, but they refuse me, saying that it would only complicate their lives, so it’s useless. I’m seen as the paranoid of the gang. So how would you convince your friends?

  • @uthredii@lemmy.ml
    6•3 years ago

    Maybe its a good idea to give an example. The Cambridge analytica scandal shows how:

    • When someone has your data it becomes easier to manipulate you into acting against your own interests (Brexit/Trump).
    • Even if you think you are giving your data to one entity (Facebook/an online quiz) there is a good chance this data will be shared with other entities (Cambridge analytica). If you give your data to multiple entities there is a very high chance it will be shared with an other entity.
    • Even if you think advertising does not influence you, giving away your data can still be harmful. In the case of Cambridge analytica, giving permission to use your data also gave data on your friends.

    People usually think they are special and don’t get affected by propaganda/advertising. One thing to point out is that two of the most valuable companies in the world are Google/Facebook which are advertising companies. The techniques used in modern advertising are obviously extremely effective at influencing the vast majority of people. People who think they are immune to advertising are often the most susceptible.