Does Google Control You?

Discussion in 'Gadgets & Tech Talk' started by Ken Anderson, May 15, 2024.

  1. Ken Anderson

    Ken Anderson Senior Staff
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    This is a long interview, so I don't expect most of you to watch it, but not everything can be said in 30 seconds. I found this to be very interesting. This is not your typical Google favors Democrats thing, as it's only partly about politics. Insofar as politics plays into it, I don't even agree with this guy's politics. So, it's not about that so much as it is about the technological sophistication in which Google exerts its views on the public.
     
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  2. Hedi Mitchell

    Hedi Mitchell Supreme Member
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    I have started using different name and sometimes email address. If I go back and name change all of my accounts - except like the bank..would AI and Google identify me only by new name ?
     
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  3. Beth Gallagher

    Beth Gallagher Supreme Member
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    Unfortunately, no. Internet information (or "dis"-information) lives forever.
     
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  4. Beth Gallagher

    Beth Gallagher Supreme Member
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    I was annoyed when Google bought Fitbit. The devices have certainly taken a downturn in quality since that happened. I suspect that Google wants to phase out the existing Fitbit device lineup and replace them with the Google/android devices. And of course, they "track" my physical location, so I hope they are enjoying my trips around the inside of my house. :D
     
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  5. Ed Wilson

    Ed Wilson Veteran Member
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    By time you figure out that your presence on the internet has created your own personal dossier, it's too late. You'll never know the full extent of what they know, who has it and what might be done with it.
     
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  6. Mary Stetler

    Mary Stetler Veteran Member
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    Long ago friends kept asking me to set up a facebook account and I resisted. You know why? because If I want to share something with my friends and family, I call them, I have even emailed them (Not on gmail) :rolleyes: I don't need hundreds of followers. I may have felt a little left out but if they really want me to know something, they know where I am.
    I don't use paypal.
    I shut down apps on my phone. I am buying a map of Minneapolis for my family reunion. I have a 2009 toyota, with manual transmission, windows and door locks.
    I do go to youtube and here and craigslist so the powers that be will know my political stance and that I eat weeds.
    Getting normal employment would be difficult but I have lived on nothing for a long time I guess I don't have to work for someone else .
     
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  7. Beth Gallagher

    Beth Gallagher Supreme Member
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    I do use Paypal, but it is not associated with my bank account. I like the purchase protection it provides, plus I don't have to enter my credit card information on individual websites. I have used Paypal for probably 15 years or longer with no issues whatsoever.

    Since Google owns Youtube, they must know that I love classic rock music and cooking videos, plus the occasional "check out what senile Biden said today" feature. I'm a real threat to democracy.
     
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  8. Mary Stetler

    Mary Stetler Veteran Member
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    I will be dragged off in handcuffs because I leave comments.
     
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  9. Jack Roberts

    Jack Roberts Very Well-Known Member
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    Nope,I have free will and high hopes! There are no strings on me!

    Paranoia strikes deep
    Into your life it will creep
    It starts when you're always afraid
    Step out of line, the men come and take you away

    fr: For What It's Worth, Stephen Stills, 1966
     
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  10. Hedi Mitchell

    Hedi Mitchell Supreme Member
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    remember when you were a teen- wanted to grow up so you could be in control of your own life- what a joke that was :D:D
     
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  11. Mary Stetler

    Mary Stetler Veteran Member
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    Yes, you should see the pile of paper on my kitchen table sometimes.
     
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  12. Jack Roberts

    Jack Roberts Very Well-Known Member
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    Send pictures or it ain't so!

    [​IMG]
    ;)
     
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  13. Mary Stetler

    Mary Stetler Veteran Member
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    That looks about right but that is not me. I have white hair.:rolleyes: today.
     
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  14. Thomas Terry

    Thomas Terry Member
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    If you don't know what they are looking for and what information is stored, you can't avoid it. Everything is simply collected. If AI comes along now, you can probably get even more out of all the information collected.
    The impact is certainly very worrying. Precisely because it will also affect areas that are not even recognised. But there is no escape. The only way out would be to completely do without everything digital. But that would cost a lot of quality of life and is certainly not practicable. Besides, it shouldn't be the point of having to hide from it as much as possible.
     
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  15. Ken Anderson

    Ken Anderson Senior Staff
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    On the other hand, it is possible to avoid Google.
     
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