Analytics
Watch the video above the link of “Who Owns Your Data / Banking “. Note how your data is shared among others particularly to market new goods and services to you. Note the discussion of the “segment of one” analysis? Were you even aware your data might be analyzing your data like this?
Do you consider this practice to be helpful and useful or do you consider it an invasion of your privacy? (Note I am asking for your opinion here so there is no right/wrong answer – however please give a reasoned opinion, and if you offer facts to support your opinion make sure to supply your sources.)
Does your bank allow you to “opt-out” of marketing techniques like this?
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
The Fine Line Between Personalization and Privacy: Analyzing Data Ownership
In our digital age, the sharing and analysis of personal data have transformed how businesses operate and connect with consumers. The video “Who Owns Your Data / Banking” sheds light on how our information is collected and utilized, particularly for marketing purposes. One concept highlighted in the video is the “segment of one” analysis, which suggests that companies tailor their marketing strategies to individual consumer preferences based on detailed data analysis. This raises critical questions about privacy, consent, and the ethical implications of such practices.
Understanding “Segment of One” Analysis
The “segment of one” analysis refers to the capability of businesses to analyze consumer data at an individual level rather than in broad categories. By utilizing sophisticated algorithms and data analytics tools, companies can create highly personalized marketing strategies targeted at specific users. For instance, if a bank knows that a customer frequently travels abroad, it might market international banking services or travel rewards specifically to that individual.
Before watching this video, I was aware that companies used my data for targeted advertising, but the depth and sophistication of this analysis were surprising. The notion that my online behavior could be dissected down to my individual preferences and habits highlights the extent to which my personal data is processed and leveraged for commercial gain.
Personalization vs. Privacy: A Double-Edged Sword
While the personalization of marketing can enhance consumer experience by presenting relevant products and services, it also raises significant concerns regarding privacy. On one hand, receiving tailored suggestions can save time and effort; for example, when I search for travel deals, I appreciate receiving options that align with my preferences. However, this practice can feel invasive, particularly when consumers are unaware of how much of their data is being collected and shared.
I consider this practice to be a double-edged sword. It can be helpful in terms of convenience and relevance; however, it can also feel like an invasion of privacy when consumers do not have control over their data. The idea that my personal habits, preferences, and even emotions are being analyzed without my explicit consent is unsettling. According to a 2020 report by Pew Research Center, 79% of Americans are concerned about how companies use their data (Pew Research Center, 2020). This statistic reflects a growing apprehension towards the commodification of personal information.
Consent and Opting Out
Regarding banks and financial institutions, many offer customers the option to “opt-out” of marketing techniques that utilize their data for targeted advertising. For example, banks often provide privacy settings within their online platforms where customers can manage their preferences regarding data sharing and marketing communications. However, many consumers may not be aware of these options or how to navigate them.
In my experience, it is crucial for banks and companies to be transparent about their data usage policies and give consumers clear choices to opt-out. Transparency fosters trust, allowing individuals to make informed decisions about sharing their personal information. As consumers become more aware of these practices, companies must adapt by prioritizing ethical data usage.
Conclusion: Striking a Balance
In conclusion, the analysis of personal data through practices like “segment of one” offers a tailored consumer experience but also raises important questions about privacy and consent. While I appreciate the convenience of personalized marketing, I also believe that individuals should have the right to control their data and understand how it is being used. Ultimately, striking a balance between personalization and privacy is critical in today’s digital landscape, ensuring that consumer rights are respected while still allowing businesses to thrive.
References
– Pew Research Center. (2020). “Americans and Privacy: Concerned, Confused and Feeling Out of Control.” Retrieved from Pew Research Center
