TECH | The Big Deal about Big Data

In a nutshell, big data is massive amounts of information gathered from a variety of sources and then analyzed through a series of computational algorithms to find patterns, trends, and behaviors. The outcomes can provide incredible, actionable insight and intelligence for science, medicine, and business – all of which can impact our daily lives.

Where does this data come from?

Standalone data doesn’t mean much. The value of data comes from collecting, organizing and analyzing a mixture of data forms from a wide range of sources. What’s crazy is that, as they say, “big data never sleeps.” It is created 24/7. It’s been estimated that there’s 2.5 quintillion bytes of data created every single day. Every time someone posts to Instagram, searches Google, purchases an item, sends an email, streams a video, makes a call or text on their mobile phone, big data is created. Sensors for monitoring weather and traffic patterns, customer service records, research, and so much more, all contributes to big data.

How is the data used?

The applications for big data are endless, and exciting. For you, as a consumer, it means businesses can offer better products suited to your needs. It’s also brought you personal devices, that when combined with apps and data, you can have information at your fingertips. For instance, when you’re making airline reservations, search for the best flights at the best prices, that’s all brought to you by big data. Your Fitbit, combined with big data, will go beyond just measuring your heart rate and steps, it can give you control of health and your sleep. In the fight against cancer, data collected from cancer patients can provide useful insight to how different types of cancer can be treated more successfully or may lead to potential cures.

So when you’re afraid that big sister is all up in your biz’nezz when you’re posting on social media or searching, clicking and shopping on the web, it actually may help you rather than hinder you in the long run.

#tech