What do you think is done with our data?

@maezee (41988)
United States
April 21, 2016 3:29pm CST
In surveys that we answer several if not dozens of questions - and then are redirected as we didn't qualify? I guess I have always been a little bit curious. My main source of online earning is through paid survey sites, so you can bet I am used to being redirected and not qualifying for surveys (I probably qualify for one in every 5). Sometimes, the surveys knock you out right away after only a few demographic questions. Sometimes, you can spend 15 minutes answering questions - even getting into the deep of things (like your online habits, shopping habits, social network habits, etc) and then all of a sudden you didn't qualify. In those instances, what do you think these companies DO with your information? Just toss it out, or analyze it alongside those who actually complete the surveys? I got to thinking if the latter is true, it's a little unfair to not pay us anything - even a few cents. What do you think?
13 people like this
13 responses
@boiboing (13153)
• Northampton, England
21 Apr 16
If you don't qualify for the questionnaire, the company that commissioned the work will never see your answers. They won't be used for anything.
2 people like this
@maezee (41988)
• United States
21 Apr 16
Is that legitimate? Do you think it depends on the company? I would hope this is the case.
@Gina145 (3949)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
22 Apr 16
@boiboing I certainly hope that's true. It sounds likely though.
@boiboing (13153)
• Northampton, England
22 Apr 16
@maezee professional agencies are bound by rules on the use of data and if you as a survey respondent don't qualify then your data has no value to them our their clients.
@JohnRoberts (109846)
• Los Angeles, California
21 Apr 16
I agree with you. I also depend on surveys. It's infuriating when you spend time answering them then get "ripped off." I am sure they use the info.
@maezee (41988)
• United States
21 Apr 16
Yes. I don't really know if it's getting "ripped off" but it seems like some surveys take a LOT of "qualification" questions before you realize you are being knocked out of it - or disqualified from the survey. I wish they could condense this. I understand they want the right demographic, but what is the point then in asking many specific questions that pertain to more than just demographics? Ugh! Otherwise how are you doing with surveys? Do you use paid survey sites or GPTs?
@JohnRoberts (109846)
• Los Angeles, California
21 Apr 16
@maezee I have gotten to the end of a survey and no code! I use MTurk.
@maezee (41988)
• United States
21 Apr 16
@JohnRoberts Ah, I haven't tried that one yet. Although I think I signed up for it. Is it worthwhile then?
@crossbones27 (49721)
• Mojave, California
21 Apr 16
They say they disregard them, but I would not be surprised if some still get our info I know they can design surveys where you could qualify every time, because any type of survey for charities or for sweepstakes where they pay no one. You never get disqualified. Surveys are another example of how corporate America is using the race to the bottom approach. They used to always be sent in the mail before the internet. You could not be disqualified because it would have been a waste of money. I still have one survey company that sends them by mail only.
@maezee (41988)
• United States
21 Apr 16
Yes, that does seem to be an interesting point you make. I don't necessarily trust them. And I have known of no person ever to win any of the sweepstakes they offer; I cannot to surveys just for the sake of an entrance into a sweepstake that probably no one ever wins. Lol. Sad but true. Interesting that there are still companies out there that send out written surveys. It seems like most everything is done online these days.
@quantum2020 (12041)
• Ciudad De Mexico, Mexico
21 Apr 16
They most likely forget about you and continue with another candidate. Surveys are like that. They should provide reliable information to the customer, so if a person does not qualify, they continue to the next until they find a qualifier.
@maezee (41988)
• United States
21 Apr 16
Hopefully so.
@DianneN (247184)
• United States
23 Apr 16
The information is discarded.
@maezee (41988)
• United States
23 Apr 16
Thats what I would hope..
1 person likes this
@AnneEJ (4917)
• Dollard-Des-Ormeaux, Quebec
21 Apr 16
According to most survey sites, if you do not qualify for a survey, the info you have already put in is discarded. I hope that is true.
@maezee (41988)
• United States
22 Apr 16
Thanks. I had been wondering.
1 person likes this
@kaka135 (14931)
• Malaysia
22 Apr 16
I have really no idea if they will use the information. I think the info are already captured and stored in the system, though they might not use it for that survey, I am not sure if they will use the data for other usages.
@scheng1 (24649)
• Singapore
24 Apr 16
I think they do not want to keep the data, since storing data takes up space, and space costs money. I think they just auto delete the data when you are not qualified for the survey.
@BelleStarr (61101)
• United States
23 Apr 16
I can't really figure it out but some do give a few points even when you don't qualify.
@mkg123 (256)
• India
23 Apr 16
i remember once i completed paypal survey and i earned 20$ for that.
@sol_cee (38219)
• Philippines
22 Apr 16
Digest it. Use the info for future use. Send a present for you on Christmas.
@Macarrosel (7498)
• Philippines
21 Apr 16
I have no idea about surveys for I seldom join any of them.
@ridingbet (66854)
• Philippines
23 Apr 16
i am also a member of some survey sites and it is really disgusting if i am not permitted to partake because of their qualifications like age and demographics.