In approaching this data log, I first tried to think about what qualifies as data “created by me.” I decided that this data would have to be recorded as a result of my activities, or continuously in the background regardless of my actions (i.e. apps collecting background information).
12 am: Pay for dinner
Order recorded in restaurant system & credit card transaction recorded by restaurant as well as my bank
1:30 am – 7 am: Drive to Boston
Spotify saves data on music listened to, songs skipped
Google Maps saves data on my route, how fast I’m driving, when I stop
EZPass stores time, location data on my transponder each time I drive under an electronic tolling station
Gas stations record credit card transaction, amount of fuel used to fill tank, type of gasoline used
Car records mileage and speed, and uses these to calculate real-time fuel efficiency
Longer term, I’m contributing to broader carbon emissions data
7 am: Enter dorm
Scanner records MIT ID number, security camera records entering the dorm and allows security guard to verify identity before allowing access
Turning lights on and off – recorded by energy companies
2 pm: Wake up, get ready
Phone records number of times snooze is hit before alarm is disabled
Amount of water used to brush teeth, shower, etc. is recorded by utilities companies
3 pm: Do laundry
Amount of water used recorded by utilities companies
Time machine is started and length of cycle stored in LaundryView tracking system
4 pm: Work on computer
Documents on Microsoft Office & Google Docs save versions at various times, file sizes, word counts
Texts/messages/Snapchats saved on servers, along with time and recipient data
Websites save data on page views & IP addresses
Google searches saved to optimize future search results
9 pm: Walk to meeting
Phone records number of steps taken/equivalent flights of stairs climbed, as well as location changes
11 pm: Watch TV on computer
Number of views, points where program is paused/skipped/rewinded are recorded by xfinity