Abstract

This article will reflect upon digital user privacy being traded for the chance to socialize "for free" on a digital social network.  Are consumers and social network users benefiting more of less than companies from the marketing research they are providing at little or no cost to marketing and research corporations?  Social websites, such as fan forums of television shows and video gaming systems are a frugal method of business marketing and research providing a wealth of detailed information.  Market and research data collection comes from not only the official sites of these shows and systems, but from informal fan sites that researchers from corporations use to gain valuable information.  Marketing and reseach information, which in the past has been comprised of sparce information after an extensive amount of time and monentary expediture, has a digital tool at their disposal.  People are willing to publicly post what their views are about television shows and products.  These indepth, albeit indirect, reviews of shows and products have allowed marketers and researchers to develop new ideas for television show writers and tailor new manufactured goods services in which consumers seek.  The research-social network dynamic that has been provided creates a potentially increased effect on product consumption on the part of the consumer.