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Guy Kawasaki's Remarkable People

Sandra Matz: The Personal Data Privacy Crisis

Feb 12, 2025
In this discussion, Sandra Matz, a professor at Columbia Business School specializing in psychological targeting and data privacy, unveils how our online behavior can expose our personality traits. She tackles the interplay between language and emotions, and the ethical implications of using data in personal relationships and political campaigns. Matz warns of the risks posed by data brokers and emphasizes the urgent need for privacy awareness. The conversation also explores innovative data co-ops, showcasing how collective ownership can empower individuals in a data-driven world.
57:18

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Psychological targeting highlights the dual nature of behavioral data, offering insights for empowerment while posing significant ethical risks of manipulation.
  • Data privacy is crucial, as many individuals mistakenly believe their information is secure, raising concerns about its potential misuse by corporations.

Deep dives

Understanding Psychological Targeting

Psychological targeting involves observing individuals' behaviors and motivations rather than relying solely on self-reporting. By analyzing actions, it is possible to infer aspects of a person's psychology that can be employed in various fields such as marketing and politics. For example, the presentation styles and messaging used by political candidates can reveal insights into their tactics and intended audience appeal. This method highlights the significance of gathering and interpreting behavioral data to better understand individuals’ preferences and choices.

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