This chapter explores the concept of surveillance capitalism, detailing how personal experiences are transformed into behavioral data that predicts human actions. It draws parallels between mass production techniques and modern data practices, illustrating the growing marketplace for prediction products. Additionally, the chapter examines the implications of these practices on privacy, social control, and the evolving dynamics of power in the digital age.
Shoshana Zuboff of Harvard University talks about her book Surveillance Capitalism with EconTalk host Russ Roberts. Zuboff argues that the monetization of search engines and social networks by Google, Facebook, and other large tech firms threatens privacy and democracy.