What happens to our data when we no longer use a social media network or publishing platform?

The internet plays a central role in our lives. I—and many others my age—grew up alongside the development of social media and content platforms.

My doctoral research looks at how we have become “databound”—attached to the data we have produced throughout our lives in ways we both can and cannot control.

What happens to our data when we abandon a platform? What should become of it? Would you want a say?

Massive amounts of personal data

We produce data every day as part of our work, communication, banking, housing, transportation and social life. We are often unaware—and therefore unable to refuse—how much data we produce, and we seldom have a say in how it’s used, stored or deployed.

This lack of control negatively impacts us, and the effects are disproportionate across the different intersections of race, gender and class.