Joel Koch

I like how you wonder if this consolidation is good for the customer. Sometimes it feels like that is an after thought in these large companies. They have consolidated so much that no matter who we choose, they win. As I was reading this I was wondering if the tools where the only reason for the consolidation. Data is the new currency. How much of these accusations are just to get access to proprietary data?

Great read Joel. I tend to think that this one-size-fits all platform is not good for us marketers. I instead thing we should continue to use specialized tools and focus on ironing out the integrations between them all. I’ve found that if a platform specializes in one thing it tends to be quite good at that one thing, rather than spreading itself thin.

You bring up a lot of great uses for AI in the medical field. One area I thought of as I was reading this was the legal field. We have all seen the commercials for class action lawsuits over roundup and mesothelioma. However, many such cases are lost due to an inability to prove causation. I feel that an AI could be given all the variables for people with certain medical conditions, and could produce a cause with some degree of accuracy.

My group and I are going to tackle AI’s use in healthcare for our group project so this is very insightful! I definitely think AI will have a huge role in healthcare in the future, as it is already starting to head that way. We are seeing how crucial Telehealth has become especially in the last 6 months. AI allows the patient and doctor to have availability to records in a timely manner without the patient even having to leave their home! I think that is great in times like these for people who have chronic conditions that need monitoring as well as people who just might not be able to make it to a doctor as often as needed.

Joel,

Thanks for bringing up this topic of AI in the medical field. I actually recently read an article on the matter in relation to COVID 19. There was a recent AI created that identifies the sound of a patients cough, and can differentiate a COVID cough from a cough caused by other symptoms. I found this very interesting as well as disruptive and am intrigued to see where this type of AI goes as it continues to be developed. Check out the article here: https://news.mit.edu/2020/covid-19-cough-cellphone-detection-1029.

Claire

Although I love the use of AI in the medical field, especially to diagnose, I always wonder how far AI will go. I always had this theory that because there is so much money in medicine and treatment – how far science will go to create AI to diagnose, possibly prevent disease. I read an article that suggested that here is a lot less money in curing people than in long-term management of disease, and wonder if when created AI in the medical field, will it always be created to be one step behind, so that it is still room to “treat” patients with medicine to keep the pharmaceutical business booming.

As someone who was in the health field, I do believe that AI technology would help the medical process. Especially in diagnosing and recommending treatment plans for individuals based on current and previous diagnoses. When I think of technology like this, I think of Telehealth, whereas right now many people are doing their checkups over the internet and not in person. I wonder how AI technology would help to improve and streamline this process, where you can get most of your medical needs without having to talk to a physical person. Also, what are the issues that may arise with a process like that.

I’m glad I read your post Joel! I didn’t know about the California Consumer Protection Act, but I agree that even with the regulations, a lot of people don’t mind about the data sharing if they get to experience the application. For most, it is a better trade off for them! They rather have access to the social media sites that most people use than opt to not share their data and not have access to the applications. The amount of personal information in which these companies may have of us is probably a lot and I would like to know what they have! So, I think that CCPA is a great way to be transparent about what is being shared online and to others.

Your last point was interesting – that if the accurate and secure data will actually help improve marketing campaigns. That makes a question, is the “dirty data” even useful or needed? I think you are correct as it could be a more of a benefit to companies and base it off of core data about the consumers/users.

I just finished reading an article from the Associated Press about how Andrew Yang is chairing the board for Proposition 24 which is going to look at rolling out similar protections to the the rest of the United States. As of right now the US is behind Europe in our data protection laws. However opponents to the law say that major companies are still dodging fines and small companies are the ones who are being really hurt. What do you think about that?

California’s focus on online privacy and data management is one of the reasons I often us it as the location for my VPN. I agree with your point that consumers are still willing to give away their data for the convince, and necessity, of using some services. That is why regulations is only part of the answer. There needs to be a concerted effort to educate the populations on the power, and danger, of their data. The more educated people become, the more they will demand change. The best part is they will not demand change by voting, they will use a more powerful tool to vote, $.

I agree that more control should be put in consumer hands. Not only do I think it’s the right move ethically, but as you note, most people seem to be okay with the privacy tradeoff. However, because of that, I’m not convinced that third-party data brokers are going anywhere (unless we enact a federal law much stricter than the CCPA). For example, I’ve read that since the EU adopted the GDPR, only 5 to 10% (depending on the source) have declined to opt in.
Interestingly, I came across this Adweek article from last fall titled, “87% of Consumers Would Opt Out of Ad Targeting Under CCPA Terms.” While I haven’t found reliable data on the CCPA opt-out rate since the law took effect, there seems to be a disconnect between how much people care about data privacy in surveys versus their behavior when given the option to opt out.

Nice one, Joel! It’s easy to quickly list things we wish were wifi-enabled just by looking around your bedroom or kitchen, but it’s easy to overlook a device that allows us greater knowledge into our own bodies. At first glance it can seem to be a very niche device for a niche market, but a little less than a quarter of U.S. adults have a form of sleep apnea, approximately 22 million people. And unlike the wifi-enabled washing machine in last class, price is much less of a qualifier for this sort of device, because it not only gives you insight in your own sleeping habits, but can potentially save your life! My company actually has a transportation department which has about 60 drivers, and the CDL now incorporates sleep apnea tests as part of the requirements. Devices like the one you’ve highlighted in your article can make all the difference!

Joel, do you see this as the future of the medical industry? Companies offering a sweet of products that all interact and communicate with each other. I could see an Apple like approach, with all systems talking with a tablet in the patents room. The doctor can walk in and get all the tests, scans, and medication information they need in one screen.