What social media knows about us

Almost everyone now has a registered social media account. When we register and then use them, we leave certain information about ourselves (age, education, relatives), we put up photos, we subscribe to other accounts. But few people think about how dangerous this can be.

How a database is built up from your actions

Social networking algorithms closely track user activity. Recommended content and possible offers (services, products) are compiled based on photos they like or groups they have recently visited.

In addition, algorithms can also determine income levels, which are not usually specified during registration. They analyse published photos, trying to determine a person’s income as accurately as possible. In addition, products or services previously discussed or already purchased on the social network also play an important role in this.

Can social networks eavesdrop on conversations or view conversations to deliver targeted ads?

There has always been a lot of debate on this. Representatives of the social networks Facebook or Instagram have not said anything about this. But the fact that targeted ads are generated based on your data is a fact. Although if you are guided by the logic that it is quite difficult to process a lot of audio information, then it is probably impossible. At least at this stage of development.

It is not certain that social media uses wiretapping. It is likely that such technology may emerge over time. It is even possible that major corporations simply do not reveal all their secrets.

Should you keep your GPS always on?

GPS always on plays into the hands of social networks because they know where you are at any given time. Of course, they will show you ads based on geo-location. These could be ads for shopping malls, shops or restaurants close to you.

Public networks and the dangers of connecting to them

When people do not have access to the internet, they connect to public networks. Despite advice to avoid such networks, people actively use them anyway. But how can it be dangerous? When you connect to a public network in a metro, restaurant or hotel, the system requires a mobile phone number.

A database of numbers collected in this way can be sold to commercial organisations. Later, everyone starts to wonder if they are getting calls from unknown numbers offering to buy goods or services.

Is there a benefit to using user data?

When mapping in a navigator or other applications, user information is often used. For example, specifically for a navigator, the system tracks the speed readings of motorists in that location to determine if there is traffic congestion.

How do IT companies protect information about us?

In fact, user data collected by companies such as Yandex, VKontakte and Facebook is stored on secure servers. An ordinary employee of a company, of course, does not have access to such information. Hacking the servers is not easy either, as major social networks have very strong security systems against hacker attacks.

Is it possible to stay online “incognito”?

Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to stay online undetected. Even if you do not specify any information about yourself when registering, sooner or later it will be obtained by the algorithms. The database will store the sites visited, communities, products and services viewed.