Big data facts for kids

Big data is a term for very large and complex sets of information. It involves special computer systems and tools that help collect, organize, and understand huge amounts of digital information. Think of it as dealing with so much data that regular computer programs can't handle it easily.

At least some of the following characteristics apply to big data:

• Huge amounts of data: We're talking about information that's too big to store or process on a single computer.
• Data changes very often: This information is constantly being updated, added to, or changed.
• Hard to structure: The data comes in many different forms, like text, videos, or sensor readings, making it tricky to organize neatly.

How Big Data Helps Us

Big data is used to analyze many different things. By looking closely at this information, new facts and ideas can be discovered. When there's a lot of data, it's easier to find reliable and useful information.

Big data is used in many different areas, such as:

• Government: To understand populations or manage public services.
• Health care: To improve treatments or understand diseases.
• Insurance: To assess risks and offer better plans.
• Media and advertising: To understand what people like and show them relevant content.
• Information technology: To make computer systems work better.

Where Does Big Data Come From?

The huge amounts of data are collected from many sources. Here are some common ways:

• Online activities: When you use the Internet or social media, like searching on Google or visiting Facebook, data is created.
• Electronic communication: Every time you send an E-mail or use a smartphone, data is generated.
• Internet of Things (IoT): These are everyday objects that can connect to the internet, like smart speakers (Amazon Alexa) or smartwatches. They collect and share data.
• Credit card use: When you pay with a Credit card, information about your purchases is recorded.
• Public records: Governments collect data for things like tax records or population counts (census).

Concerns About Big Data

Even though big data is useful, some people have concerns about it. One main worry is about privacy. This means protecting your personal information. When so much data is collected, there's a risk that sensitive details about people could be seen by the wrong people or not kept safe enough.

For example, Edward Snowden shared information about how the American National Security Agency (NSA) used digital technology to collect data from people around the world. This raised big questions about how much information governments should collect.

Another point of concern is that just because data is "big," it doesn't automatically mean it's "better." The quality of the data still needs to be checked carefully. Also, analyzing big data can often tell us "what" is happening, but it might not always explain "why" it's happening.

Images for kids

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  Non-linear growth of digital global information-storage capacity and the waning of analog storage

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  Shows the growth of big data's primary characteristics of volume, velocity, and variety

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  Bus wrapped with SAP big data parked outside IDF13.

See also

In Spanish: Macrodatos para niños