The reality is that private entities and external actors are already using data to figure out better offensive and defensive maneuvers. If the entities of your nation do not take similar steps, they are likely to be ill prepared to "serve & protect" you and your interests, which may include a fair and functional democracy.
Some may ask "why is the military involved" the answer relates to the fact that today's military have realized that foreign actors will weaponize technology (e.g. internet, social media) to serve their goals. To ensure that the goals of your nation are protected, the military has moved more and more towards the cyberspace.
Here are a few benefits that can come from such endeavor:
* Relief efforts - How do people react in social media before, at the time and after a disaster happens? How can social media be used to connect to the ones in need? How can X entity use social media to advise groups in a risky area (e.g. landslide) to diminish damage and risk of life?
* Trolls - Are there cues that can be used to determine when someone is a troll? Can that information be used to help society become more resilient in the future?
* Training - Can this research help dozens/hundreds of personnel to gain valuable know-hows and capabilities in the cyber arena? Will that knowledge translate in a more capable entity?
Another question to ask is whether X entity follows your ideological view and whether there is enough oversight. If the answer is no to either/or, then as part of a democracy, you should raise your concern with representatives & the people around you.
Some may ask "why is the military involved" the answer relates to the fact that today's military have realized that foreign actors will weaponize technology (e.g. internet, social media) to serve their goals. To ensure that the goals of your nation are protected, the military has moved more and more towards the cyberspace.
Here are a few benefits that can come from such endeavor:
* Relief efforts - How do people react in social media before, at the time and after a disaster happens? How can social media be used to connect to the ones in need? How can X entity use social media to advise groups in a risky area (e.g. landslide) to diminish damage and risk of life?
* Trolls - Are there cues that can be used to determine when someone is a troll? Can that information be used to help society become more resilient in the future?
* Training - Can this research help dozens/hundreds of personnel to gain valuable know-hows and capabilities in the cyber arena? Will that knowledge translate in a more capable entity?
Another question to ask is whether X entity follows your ideological view and whether there is enough oversight. If the answer is no to either/or, then as part of a democracy, you should raise your concern with representatives & the people around you.