How sociotechnical imaginaries shape consumers’ experiences of and responses to commercial data collection practices

How is the ongoing “datafication” in society experienced by consumers? Critical discussions regarding impact of datafication on consumers seldom study consumers’ actual experiences. Conversely, studies that do exist and their experiences tend to take an individualistic approach, arguing how experience respond result individual psychological make-up or processes cost–benefit calculations. Against background, this article will instead show ways which linked a number broader sociotechnical imaginaries. Based in-depth user interviews drawing previous work imaginaries, develops analysis multiple imaginaries data collection practices. Findings approach operations shaped were both individually collectively performed interacting with using data-collecting devices.