I started my day in the Student Center, as I worked there overnight Sunday. The study space has tap access so every time I used the bathroom or filled up my water bottle I would use my ID giving location data and information about the usage of the space.
I bought a plane ticket. This is notoriously a process that takes a lot of data using cookies. I also bought this ticket after monitoring a price tracker with alerts for the last two months and waiting for the price to drop. I bought the ticket after receiving an alert e-mail and following the link in the e-mail so there is data given to google about how successful this service is. I also used my credit card to buy the ticket.
P-set printing, using the Athena system and my MIT ID
Overleaf – Writing in LaTex on an online editor meant constant data transfer. I also continually used google for help with the project I was working on.
Google Photos – I take pictures of notes etc. Google Photos has a feature that allows you to search your own photos using tags that they have given it using AI/Machine Learning. I would search my photos for words like “blackboard” to filter to the photos I had taken in class. When you make these searches the algorithm improves by looking at what you click after the search is completed.
I went to Dunkin to buy a bagel – used a debit card
While working, I used my phone continually. I would check my phone, group.me, Instagram, text, Snapchat – on all these apps they collect data on how long I use the app which buttons I press what I like what I don’t like.
Walked back to my dorm where I use my MIT ID to gain access.
Youtube – I use youtube to watch “comedy bites” – clips from tv shows compiled into smaller chunks because I don’t have time. Youtube is collecting data on what videos I watch all the way through vs when I choose another. They collect data on how long I watch an advert before I click “Skip Add”. They also let you up/down vote on adds to collect data on what you do and don’t like. I don’t click these but even refusing to participate is data.
I then went to class – I use paper to take notes so no data there but I do check my phone during class so the previous discussion continues
I attending a 6.036 (Intro to Machine Learning) LA meeting. Used Google Docs to give feedback on homework. I then helped at office hours for 6.036. There is a queue system where people go online ask for help and then I click a button to say I am currently giving them help. This collects data on how many people I help and how long it takes me to help a student. I also use a google form to check in and tell the staff that I turned up for my shift. We also use an online code editor which collects information on usage
I reported my weekly worked hours on ATLAS so I can get paid.
Online CrossWord Solving with friends – timing how long it takes me to complete the crossword.
In addition, Google Maps creates a map of where I’ve walked however I chose to not include this here for safety.