Melting of Privacy with Machine Learning, Big Data, and Social Media

Abstract

Every individual has the right to keep their information private. However, there is a big question: is this possible in the digital era? While social media attracts people to share personal data, most advanced technologies are continually developing in the area of how to exploit information from this personal data. Is it possible to talk about keeping personal data private? This study aims to investigate whether it is possible both to connect to the cyber-world and remain private in the digital era, where intensive studies have been conducted to protect privacy. This study discusses: (1) the social perception of privacy, (2) the contradiction between privacy expectations and behaviors, and (3) the current state of both disclosure and protection efforts of privacy with machine learning and big data techniques. As a result of our research, it was concluded that it is almost impossible to exist in the cyber/digital world and remain private, that most users are not uncomfortable with the current situation, and that institutions and technology developers should take more responsibility in this regard.