Alexis C. Madrigal’s book “I’m Being Followed”, explores the world of browsing and data collection. Clicking on various websites each day increases the chance of your personal data being collected and used by unknown means. Madrigal uses first-hand experience, stories, logos and credible evidence to support his claim that companies are tracking people online. Whether we are shopping or watching cat-related videos online, our every move is recorded in a database. Madrigal claimed that the companies used this information to create ads which were “statistically more likely” to be clicked (Madrigal, i’m being watched). Madrigal’s past statements make the audience think. What happens if all the data is used to bring the world down, possibly causing another world-wide war? What if the collected data could bring world peace by solving crimes? People are aware that they are being watched online to some extent, but they don’t realize the dangers that could result from this. Madrigal educated his audience about what is behind the screen. He explained what the ad was advertising, which you may have thought it was. He discussed the companies that tracked his internet activities, including “Adnetik”, “AdRoll” and others. This showed his audience that even he goes through this. Madrigal, in I’m Been Followed, mentions the website that he used for discovering what companies are tracking him. He is advising his audience to be aware of their online activities, as people unknowingly create multiple “social markers” or identities. Madrigal’s selective writing had the effect of educating his audience on the potential dangers of being prey to internet predators. His diction created a relaxed atmosphere, almost like he were telling a story. Even his title has an almost sarcastic tone, which makes it appear that millions of people are being tracked by 104 different companies. Madrigal’s choice of words is also indicative of the fact that people are often unable to express their feelings about certain topics.
In order to lend credibility to his work, he shared examples of his personal experiences with companies that tracked him in just 36 hours. Collusion. He then showed his audience another way to get information about which companies are tracking their visits. He provides many real-world and philosophical examples in support of his claim. He also compares Online and Offline advertising. His comparison of Online vs. Traditional advertising gives his audience a reason to agree. Online ads are lacking in publication. They only purchase audiences online through tracking. It lacks art. The “dropping of cookies” idea could represent us being brainwashed. People love cookies. They will continue to eat cookies if they have eaten one. Clicking on an ad on your screen will lead you to click on more. The internet is brainwashing the people into believing what it wants.
Madrigal’s “I’m Being Followed” text elaborately explains the dangers of having our online identities exploited. He used a friendly tone in his text to make it less tense. He also used first-hand experience and other reliable sources to support his claims. His overall text was not too long, nor short. He provided just enough information to draw in his readers without overwhelming them. His concluding paragraph was a great way to tell future generations they need to find solutions to the privacy issues. The balance between the facts and humor was very effective.
