To The Best Of Our Knowledge cover image

To The Best Of Our Knowledge

The Sum of Our Data

Nov 23, 2024
Join Susannah Breslin, a journalist focusing on the sex industry; Lowry Pressly, a Stanford philosopher; and Carl Öhman, a political science professor from Sweden, as they navigate the intricate world of personal data. They discuss the implications of data ownership and privacy, especially after death. Explore how technology changes grief processes, the ethics of digital remains, and the evolution of privacy in a surveillance-heavy society. The conversation invites listeners to reflect on their own data legacy in a rapidly digitizing world.
51:48

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The extensive digital data trail we create raises critical concerns about personal ownership and the value of privacy in our lives.
  • Childhood experiences with data collection profoundly shape adult identities and choices, linking surveillance from the past to current professions.

Deep dives

The Rise of Personal Data Trails

Every action taken online, from clicks to swipes, creates a significant data trail that reflects personal identity, preferences, and behaviors. This accumulation of data, which began with the development of modern databases in the late 20th century, now exists in vast amounts across numerous servers. For instance, personal information includes shopping habits, social connections, and even genetic data, painting a comprehensive picture of an individual's life. The growth of this digital record raises essential questions about ownership and privacy, particularly whether individuals value having control over their data.

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