Maturity in dealing with Big Data – Analyses of tools for critical reflection on data collection on the internet
In recent years, the influence of Big Data – the ubiquitous collection and analysis of data and associated scoring and prediction mechanisms – has grown steadily. However, in addition to the frequently highlighted multiple opportunities offered by Big Data practices, for example in research, these automated systems also carry risks. Many researchers warn of a loss of individual privacy, intensified and transformed surveillance and the risk of reinforcing social disadvantages. While internet users are often aware of the collection of their data on the internet, they usually lack an understanding and critical reflection of the possible consequences of these practices.
Critical Big Data Literacy – in the sense of coming of age when dealing with Big Data – is a strategy to address this problem. This concept refers to an awareness and critical reflection of internet users regarding the possible consequences and risks of collecting and using Big Data.
As an extension of my previous research, this project will investigate online tools that aim to promote such literacy. Research will be conducted on the longer-term effects of such tools as well as on the German-language range of Critical Big Data Literacy tools.
Research focus
- Big Data and Privacy
- Critical Data Studies
- Data Literacy
- Media / digital literacy research
Curriculum Vitae
- 2013-2017 BA Media Studies at the Philipps University of Marburg
- 2016-2017 Student assistant in the DFG research project “Mediale Störungen. Structures and functions of television specials in German political media culture” at the Institute of Media Studies, Philipps-Universität Marburg
- 2017-2018 MA Digital Media and Society at Cardiff University
- 2018 Research Assistant in the externally funded project “Data Scores: Investigating Uses of Citizen Scoring” at the Data Justice Lab, Cardiff University