The Analysis of Big Data’s Impact on Society and Daily Life

Research Article
Open access

The Analysis of Big Data’s Impact on Society and Daily Life

Shilong Zhang 1*
  • 1 Chongqing College of Mobile Communication    
  • *corresponding author ytzhb@cqupt.edu.cn
Published on 15 January 2024 | https://doi.org/10.54254/2753-7048/36/20240474
LNEP Vol.36
ISSN (Print): 2753-7056
ISSN (Online): 2753-7048
ISBN (Print): 978-1-83558-273-2
ISBN (Online): 978-1-83558-274-9

Abstract

The analysis of big data and its impact on society and daily life has become a subject of significant interest and research in the academic field. This paper aims to delve into the analysis of big data and its influence on society and daily life. To conduct this study, a mixed-methods approach will be employed. Firstly, quantitative analysis will be utilized to examine large datasets and extract meaningful insights. This will involve statistical techniques and data mining algorithms to identify patterns, correlations, and trends within the data. Additionally, qualitative analysis will be conducted through interviews and surveys to gather subjective perspectives and opinions, thus providing a comprehensive understanding of the societal and individual implications of big data. Through this study, people aim to bridge the existing knowledge gap and provide valuable insights into the analysis of big data’s impact on society and daily life. By exploring the research question, employing appropriate methodologies, and recognizing its significance, people strive to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in this field and facilitate informed discussions and actions for a data-driven future.

Keywords:

Big data analysis, Statistical techniques, Data mining algorithms, Data-driven future

Zhang,S. (2024). The Analysis of Big Data’s Impact on Society and Daily Life. Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media,36,275-279.
Export citation

1. Introduction

In the era of digitalization, the analysis of big data has emerged as a powerful tool with transformative implications for society and daily life. The abundance of data generated from various sources, such as social media, internet of Things (IoT) devices [1], and online transactions, presents both opportunities and challenges. Understanding the impact of big data on society and daily life is crucial for policymakers, businesses, and individuals to navigate this rapidly evolving landscape.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the impact of big data on society and daily life, drawing insights from ten selected literature sources [2]. By examining the findings and results from these sources, people seek to uncover the transformative power of big data analysis and its implications for decision-making processes, economic dynamics, societal structures, and individual behavior.

The analysis explores five key perspectives on the impact of big data:

Transformation of Decision-Making Processes: People delve into how big data analysis revolutionizes decision-making processes across various sectors, enabling organizations to make data-driven decisions based on accurate and timely insights.

Economic and Business Implications: People examine the economic and business implications of big data analysis, including its role in driving innovation, improving productivity, and creating new business models [3].

Societal Impact and Ethical Considerations: People explore the societal impact of big data analysis, particularly its implications for privacy, security, and power dynamics between individuals, corporations, and governments. People also delve into the ethical considerations surrounding the collection and use of personal data.

Healthcare and Public Services: People analyze how big data analysis impacts healthcare and public services, enabling improved disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, and enhancing efficiency in urban planning, transportation, and disaster response [4].

Cultural and Social Transformations: People investigate the cultural and social implications of big data analysis, exploring how it shapes our understanding of the world, influences behavior, and raises questions about informational biases, discrimination, and manipulation.

By synthesizing the key findings and insights from the selected literature, this analysis offers a holistic understanding of the impact of big data on society and daily life. It highlights the opportunities for innovation and improvement, while also addressing the ethical considerations and challenges that arise in this data-driven era. The significance of this research lies in its potential to shed light on the far-reaching consequences of big data on multiple levels. Understanding the impact of big data is crucial for policymakers, businesses, and individuals alike [5]. It can inform the formulation of regulations and policies, aid in the development of innovative solutions, and empower individuals to make informed choices. By comprehending the implications of big data, people can harness its potential to improve society, enhance decision-making processes, and benefit diverse sectors such as healthcare, transportation, and urban planning.

2. Methodology

To conduct the analysis of big data’s impact on society and daily life, a mixed-methods approach will be employed. This approach combines quantitative data analysis techniques and qualitative research methods to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic. The methodology will involve the following steps:

Literature Review: A systematic review of relevant literature will be carried out to identify and select the ten primary sources that discuss the impact of big data on society and daily life. This review will help gather the necessary background information, identify key themes, and highlight the gaps in existing research [6].

Data Collection: The data for this analysis will primarily come from the selected literature, which includes books, reports, and scholarly articles. Information such as author names, publication titles, journal names, publication years, and specific page numbers will be collected for proper citation and reference.

Data Analysis: The selected literature will be analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative techniques. Quantitative data analysis will involve extracting and examining statistical information, trends, and patterns presented in the literature. This will involve techniques such as data mining and statistical analysis to identify common themes and trends across the literature [7].

Qualitative Analysis: Qualitative data analysis techniques will be used to analyze the qualitative information in the literature, such as case studies and interviews. This will involve identifying key themes, ideas, and arguments presented in the literature and exploring their implications for society and daily life. It may also involve coding and categorizing qualitative data to identify recurring patterns and themes.

Synthesis and Interpretation: The findings from the data analysis will be synthesized and interpreted to draw meaningful conclusions about the impact of big data on society and daily life. This will involve summarizing the key findings, identifying commonalities, and highlighting the main implications and challenges discussed in the literature [7].

Conclusion and Recommendations: Based on the analysis and interpretation of the literature, a conclusion will be drawn regarding the overall impact of big data on society and daily life. Recommendations for policymakers, businesses, and individuals will be provided to navigate the opportunities and challenges presented by big data.

The methodology employed in this analysis aims to provide a comprehensive and balanced understanding of the impact of big data on society and daily life. By combining quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques, this methodology ensures a holistic approach to the analysis and interpretation of the selected literature.

3. Finding

Transformation of Decision-Making Processes: Big data analysis revolutionizes decision-making processes across various sectors. Organizations can make data-driven decisions based on accurate and timely insights, leading to improved outcomes and efficiency [8].

Economic and Business Implications: Big data analysis plays a crucial role in driving innovation and improving productivity. It enables the creation of new business models, enhances customer experiences, and helps organizations gain a competitive edge.

Societal Impact and Ethical Considerations: Big data analysis raises important societal issues related to privacy, security, and power dynamics [9]. It demands a careful balance between data utilization and individuals’ rights, necessitating the implementation of ethical frameworks and safeguards.

Healthcare and Public Services: Big data analysis has significant implications for healthcare and public services. It enables advancements in disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, while also enhancing efficiency in urban planning, transportation, and disaster response [9].

Cultural and Social Transformations: Big data analysis shapes our understanding of the world and influences individual behavior. It raises questions about information biases, discrimination, and manipulation, highlighting the need for critical evaluation and awareness of the societal consequences.

Overall, the analysis of big data’s impact on society and daily life highlights its transformative power. It offers opportunities for innovation and improvement but also raises ethical considerations that must be addressed. Understanding and navigating this landscape responsibly are vital for harnessing the potential benefits of big data while mitigating potential risks.

4. Discussion

Transformation of Decision-Making Processes: From a macro perspective, the transformation of decision-making processes through big data analysis has revolutionized industries such as finance. For example, investment firms now rely heavily on data-driven algorithms to make trading decisions, leading to increased efficiency and profitability [10]. At the micro level, individuals experience this transformation through personalized recommendations on online shopping platforms like Amazon or personalized streaming suggestions on platforms like Netflix. However, it is important to note that the overreliance on data can overlook important intangible factors, such as customer emotions or market trends that are not captured in the data. For instance, a data-driven approach may miss out on the potential of a new emerging trend or fail to understand the changing preferences of customers.

Economic and Business Implications: Big data analysis has had significant economic implications in sectors such as e-commerce. For instance, companies like Alibaba in China and Amazon globally have utilized big data to optimize supply chain operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive sales growth. Businesses can leverage big data to understand customer preferences and tailor their offerings accordingly, leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty. However, concerns arise regarding data monopolies and their impact on smaller businesses. For example, Google’s control over search data can give them a competitive advantage in targeted advertising, making it challenging for smaller businesses to compete and reach their target audience effectively [11].

Societal Impact and Ethical Considerations: Big data analysis has impacted society in various areas, including law enforcement. Predictive policing, which uses big data and algorithms to forecast crime hotspots, has gained attention [12]. While it can potentially lead to better resource allocation and crime prevention, there are concerns about bias and discrimination in the data and algorithmic decision-making. It is crucial to ensure that the data used for analysis is representative and free from bias to prevent discriminatory outcomes. Additionally, individuals experience the impact of big data through personalized advertisements on social media platforms. However, the collection and use of personal data raise privacy concerns and questions about consent. It is important to establish robust data protection regulations to safeguard individuals’ privacy rights and ensure transparency in data collection and usage practices.

Healthcare and Public Services: Big data analysis has transformed healthcare systems worldwide. For instance, in the United Kingdom, the National Health Service (NHS) [13] uses big data analysis to predict disease outbreaks, optimize resource allocation, and improve patient care. Individuals benefit from personalized healthcare recommendations generated from their health data, leading to more effective treatments and improved health outcomes. However, privacy and security concerns emerge when personal health data is shared with third parties. It is important to establish stringent data protection measures and clear consent processes to protect individual health information and prevent misuse.

Cultural and Social Transformations: Big data analysis has had a significant impact on cultural and social phenomena, such as social media algorithms shaping online content and news consumption patterns [14]. This can lead to echo chambers and filter bubbles, where individuals are exposed to a limited range of opinions and perspectives. While personalized news feeds and targeted advertising provide convenience and tailored experiences to individuals, excessive personalization can limit exposure to diverse perspectives and reinforce existing biases. It is crucial to ensure that algorithms are designed to prioritize the sharing of accurate and diverse information to foster a more inclusive and informed society [15].

Looking into the future, research in these areas could focus on developing transparent and accountable algorithms, addressing biases and discrimination in data analysis, and ensuring individuals have more control over their personal data. Additionally, examining the long-term societal and cultural effects of big data analysis and exploring potential regulatory frameworks to balance innovation and ethical considerations would be valuable for future research.

5. Conclusion

This paper provides an analysis of the impact of big data on society and daily life. Through the examination of ten selected literature sources, it is evident that big data analysis has a transformative influence. It revolutionizes decision-making processes, drives economic dynamics, shapes societal structures, and influences individual behavior. The findings highlight the importance of utilizing big data for data-driven decision-making, innovation, and productivity improvement. However, ethical considerations surrounding privacy, security, and power dynamics must be addressed. In conclusion, big data has a significant impact on society and daily life, requiring responsible navigation of its potential benefits and challenges.

Discussing the current limitations of the paper and potential improvements. The limitations of this paper lie in the limited data sources and the scope of literature selection. The analysis solely relies on the findings from the selected ten literature sources, which may not comprehensively cover all aspects of the impact of big data on society and daily life. Future research could expand the literature scope by incorporating more studies on the impact of big data. Additionally, the paper could enhance the methodological description of quantitative and qualitative data analysis to improve research credibility and replicability.

As big data continues to evolve, research can investigate its impact on government decision-making and social governance, exploring how big data can improve public policy formulation and implementation. Secondly, further exploration of the challenges posed by big data on individual privacy and data security, along with the search for solutions to balance data utilization and personal rights protection, would be valuable. Additionally, research could examine the applications of big data in fields such as education, environmental protection, finance, and artificial intelligence, as well as their implications for social inequality and social justice. Lastly, research on ethical guidelines and norms for big data analysis, along with the formulation of related policies and legal frameworks, would ensure minimal negative impact and maximize the potential of big data.


References

[1]. Mayer-Schönberger, V., & Cukier, K. (2013). Big Data: A Revolution That Will Transform How We Live, Work, and Think. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

[2]. Manyika, J., Chui, M., Brown, B., Bughin, J., Dobbs, R., Roxburgh, C., & Byers, A. H. (2011). Big data: The next frontier for innovation, competition, and productivity. McKinsey Global Institute.

[3]. Zhang, J., Zheng, Y., Qi, D., Hu, B., & Zhang, D. (2019). Deep learning for smart city big data analytics: A survey. IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials, 21(3), 2289-2323.

[4]. Kitchin, R. (2014). The Data Revolution: Big Data, Open Data, Data Infrastructures, and Their Consequences. Sage.

[5]. Manyika, J., Chui, M., & Brown, B. (2013). Big data: The next frontier for innovation, competition, and productivity. McKinsey Global Institute.

[6]. Hilbert, M., & López, P. (2011). The world’s technological capacity to store, communicate, and compute information. Science, 332(6025), 60-65.

[7]. Cukier, K. N., & Mayer-Schönberger, V. (2013). The rise of big data: How it’s changing the way we think about the world. Foreign Affairs, 92(3), 28-40.

[8]. Dhar, V. (2013). Data science and prediction. Communications of the ACM, 56(12), 64-73.

[9]. McAfee, A., & Brynjolfsson, E. (2012). Big Data: The Management Revolution. Harvard Business Review, 90(10), 60-68.

[10]. Botta, A., De Donato, W., Persico, V., & Pescapé, A. (2016). Integration of cloud computing and internet of things: A survey. Future Generation Computer Systems, 56, 684-700.

[11]. Fan, W., Wallace, L., Rich, S., & Zhang, Z. (2018). Tapping the power of big data analytics. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery, 8(4), e1258.

[12]. Koops, B. J. (2017). GDPR and the risk-based approach: Can a law enable risk management? Computer Law & Security Review, 33(2), 193-208.

[13]. Pariser, E. (2011). The filter bubble: What the Internet is hiding from you. Penguin Press.

[14]. Topol, E. J. (2019). High-performance medicine: The convergence of human and artificial intelligence. Nature Medicine, 25(1), 44-56.

[15]. Boyd, D., & Crawford, K. (2012). Critical questions for big data: Provocations for a cultural, technological, and scholarly phenomenon. Information, Communication & Society, 15(5), 662-679.


Cite this article

Zhang,S. (2024). The Analysis of Big Data’s Impact on Society and Daily Life. Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media,36,275-279.

Data availability

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study will be available from the authors upon reasonable request.

Disclaimer/Publisher's Note

The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of EWA Publishing and/or the editor(s). EWA Publishing and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content.

About volume

Volume title: Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Social Psychology and Humanity Studies

ISBN:978-1-83558-273-2(Print) / 978-1-83558-274-9(Online)
Editor:Kurt Buhring
Conference website: https://www.icsphs.org/
Conference date: 1 March 2024
Series: Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media
Volume number: Vol.36
ISSN:2753-7048(Print) / 2753-7056(Online)

© 2024 by the author(s). Licensee EWA Publishing, Oxford, UK. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license. Authors who publish this series agree to the following terms:
1. Authors retain copyright and grant the series right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the work's authorship and initial publication in this series.
2. Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the series's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgment of its initial publication in this series.
3. Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See Open access policy for details).

References

[1]. Mayer-Schönberger, V., & Cukier, K. (2013). Big Data: A Revolution That Will Transform How We Live, Work, and Think. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

[2]. Manyika, J., Chui, M., Brown, B., Bughin, J., Dobbs, R., Roxburgh, C., & Byers, A. H. (2011). Big data: The next frontier for innovation, competition, and productivity. McKinsey Global Institute.

[3]. Zhang, J., Zheng, Y., Qi, D., Hu, B., & Zhang, D. (2019). Deep learning for smart city big data analytics: A survey. IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials, 21(3), 2289-2323.

[4]. Kitchin, R. (2014). The Data Revolution: Big Data, Open Data, Data Infrastructures, and Their Consequences. Sage.

[5]. Manyika, J., Chui, M., & Brown, B. (2013). Big data: The next frontier for innovation, competition, and productivity. McKinsey Global Institute.

[6]. Hilbert, M., & López, P. (2011). The world’s technological capacity to store, communicate, and compute information. Science, 332(6025), 60-65.

[7]. Cukier, K. N., & Mayer-Schönberger, V. (2013). The rise of big data: How it’s changing the way we think about the world. Foreign Affairs, 92(3), 28-40.

[8]. Dhar, V. (2013). Data science and prediction. Communications of the ACM, 56(12), 64-73.

[9]. McAfee, A., & Brynjolfsson, E. (2012). Big Data: The Management Revolution. Harvard Business Review, 90(10), 60-68.

[10]. Botta, A., De Donato, W., Persico, V., & Pescapé, A. (2016). Integration of cloud computing and internet of things: A survey. Future Generation Computer Systems, 56, 684-700.

[11]. Fan, W., Wallace, L., Rich, S., & Zhang, Z. (2018). Tapping the power of big data analytics. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery, 8(4), e1258.

[12]. Koops, B. J. (2017). GDPR and the risk-based approach: Can a law enable risk management? Computer Law & Security Review, 33(2), 193-208.

[13]. Pariser, E. (2011). The filter bubble: What the Internet is hiding from you. Penguin Press.

[14]. Topol, E. J. (2019). High-performance medicine: The convergence of human and artificial intelligence. Nature Medicine, 25(1), 44-56.

[15]. Boyd, D., & Crawford, K. (2012). Critical questions for big data: Provocations for a cultural, technological, and scholarly phenomenon. Information, Communication & Society, 15(5), 662-679.