Friday, March 15, 2013

Dislike: Facebook Likes Reveals A Lot



Now if this isn't creepy than I don’t know what it is. There was a study to show that Facebook could predict everything from your race to your sexual orientation, political affiliation to your personality type from a simply “like”.

Researchers had studied more than 58,000 people who volunteered in taking the “my personality” survey application on Facebook, in which subscribers allowed access to their list of likes. The purpose of the research was to see whether such information, which is publicly available on many Facebook pages, could predict a number of aspects about its users lives that can presumably predict their sexual orientation, ethnic origin, political views, religion, personality traits, substance use, and even intelligence level.

I find it intriguing that such information that was once personal to us is now in the public eye. Online behavior like Facebook “likes” can make the connection deeper than I thought.  The link in which the user “Likes” can relatively give information about relationship statuses, logic, and personal preferences. Some "Like" pages may be "Gay Love", "Pro Obama", "Single Ready to Mingle", and etc.
Some links are very personal and will automatically give fellow Facebook friends an impression of your personality.

Although the research is fascinating in how much Facebook can reveal but it also strikes a concern about privacy. But- in the meantime, I highly suggest that everyone is aware of how companies and entities with whom you share your “like” information may ultimately use this data. We must understand that our hidden meanings behind our desires and “likes” may end up teaching us about ourselves. 


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