Amazing Potential and Dark Side of Big Data

Big data can be used by social scientists to study a variety of phenomena. Cell phone data can inform us about mobility and interaction patterns. Article citations can be measured throughout the career of successful scientists to ask what drives success. However, corporations and governments can also use big data to further their agenda, not always in line with societal goals. We illustrate informative applications of big data and discuss ethical considerations to stay clear of the "dark side."