The Promise and Peril of Using Attention Economy Data for Public Research
ORCID
May: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8275-6773
MSU Affiliation
College of Arts and Sciences; Department of Sociology
Creation Date
2026-06-01
Abstract
The emergence of the attention economy has brought about the collection of massive data sets that both public and private organizations use for various purposes. If used ethically, these data can improve our knowledge of human behavior, promote human welfare, and make public organizations more effective. However, the potential impacts of misuse, especially by public agencies, are considerable. Commercial data brokers currently collect and sell vast sets of targeted data that link people to places; these data are often collected by public entities. The authors analyze the data sources and their suitability for health and social science researchers. This article considers the ethical issues that surround using commercially and publicly collected data for public research.
Publication Date
11-27-2025
Publication Title
Public Integrity
Publisher
Taylor and Francis Group; Routledge
Recommended Citation
Potter, M., Biddles, E., May, D., & Moffatt, B. (2025). The Promise and Peril of Using Attention Economy Data for Public Research. Public Integrity, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1080/10999922.2025.2590955
