Why Now
Readers may not understand ‘why now?’. Why is a book about data needed? Numbers have been around since the dawn of time and even computers (if they are the cause) have been mainstream for decades? The answer begins with the analytics revolution – the adoption of data science by nearly every institution. Every company, every small business, every school, every government, even every phone app is applying numbers to situations. The use of data itself is not new, but in the past few years there had been an explosion of data for use thanks in part to (nearly free) computing power, faster data processing, reduced barriers for people to use data with free open-source tools, a vast reduction in the cost of acquiring and storing data. When it is free and easy to collect data – like the movements of a tractor on a field or person in a store – why stop when there is little guidance telling them not to? The data wheels are in motion and spinning very, very fast.
Build your Data Superpowers
Data is like a new superpower that is mostly unregulated. Methods of using data are moving so rapidly that lawmakers are unable to comprehend and keep up with their implications. And there is no slowing down the data machine. ‘Safety’ regulations cannot be what we rely upon to protect ourselves from being misled. Our preparedness comes from understanding the ‘machine’ – the mechanism that powers it. Understanding how it works, learning simple examples of it in motion are all part of how to avoid being Data Duped.
The approach of the book is to begin with some foundation about how we got to this place in history. How the rapid ascension of data as a tool grew from the industrial revolution and post-World War II applications. Fueled by innovations in methodologies and computing power and a flattening of barriers allowing every small business, would-be-social media blogger, and large companies to all have the ability to use data – for better or worse. Nearly overnight amateurs and professionals began competing on the data front for your attention. Worse, as consumers in the infancy of the barrage of data, it is difficult to sort through the good and the bad – often they look the same. With the credibility of math as a premise for conclusion, why would we question it? We do not know when we are deceived with data.
We attempt to provide readers with an understanding of how data deception can be constructed. We present data defense tools and then guide readers through real examples – big and small – of where an individual’s decisions can be misled with data. We dive into media – advertising and the rise of social media and the decline of traditional media. We demonstrate how data deception can show up in one’s personal life and in their work life. Data is all around us and how we see it is part a lesson in math and statistics and also behavioral consumerism. Our thoughts and beliefs – our internal biases – all impact our ability to see past the numbers and prevent a Data Dupe.
Data Duped No More – Debunking Data Myths
What readers gather from Data Duped is part demystification of claims made with numbers and part equipping them with tools to be better consumers and decision makers. This is not a book about debunking past myths but more about empowering readers to know the truth from the deception. Applying these skills to know the questions to ask and recognize the power of data when used properly. Readers will be able to make better decisions, avoid data pitfalls, improve their critical thinking skills and be more data literate. It is these characteristics that sets Data Duped apart from other titles and we hope adds value to its readers.
Data Duped 