Who Owns The Driving Data? - Tesla Cyber-recall - Gen Z’s Version Of Fact Checking

June 25, 2024
This Tuesday we dive into a new survey showing that over 95% of American drivers want to own their vehicle data. We also discuss Tesla's latest Cybertruck recalls over wiper and trim issues, as well as the (maybe not-so-) surprising approach of Gen Z to find the truth online.
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Show Notes with links:

A recent survey reveals that over 95% of American drivers want to own the data generated by their vehicles, posing significant challenges for automakers, insurance companies, and data brokers.

  • The survey by car insurance savings app Jerry polled 1,300 adults who own or lease vehicles and drive at least once a week.
  • 96% of respondents believe they should own any data generated from their cars, and 78% are uncomfortable with automakers collecting driver data.
  • These findings challenge manufacturers' plans for customized vehicle settings, personalized subscription offerings, and smart R&D based on driver data usage.
  • General Motors faced backlash for unknowingly selling customer data to insurance companies, resulting in unexplained premium hikes.
  • "Even two-thirds of Gen Z [respondents] said they're uncomfortable or extremely uncomfortable with collection of their location history," said Henry Hoenig, a data journalist at Jerry.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported Tesla is recalling 11,688 Cybertrucks due to a windshield wiper failure that could reduce visibility, increasing crash risk.

  • An additional 11,383 Cybertrucks are being recalled because a trim in the trunk bed could become loose, creating a road hazard for other motorists.
  • This follows a previous recall in April involving nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks to address an accelerator pedal pad that could get lodged in the interior trim.
  • These issues add to the production challenges of the Cybertruck, with mass production expected to start next year despite delays and a difficult ramp-up described by CEO Elon Musk as “digging its own grave.”
  • Tesla’s service team will replace the wiper motor and secure the trim free of charge for affected vehicles.

Google's research into Gen Z's online habits reveals some surprising trends, showing how America's youngest adults interact with digital content and navigate their digital environment.

  • Researchers at Jigsaw, a Google subsidiary, found that Gen Z engages in "information sensibility," relying on social cues over traditional fact-checking methods.
  • Beth Goldberg, Jigsaw's head of research says,"Gen Zers will have a favorite influencer or set of influencers who they essentially outsource their trust to." 
  • Unlike older generations, Gen Z often skips long articles, instead trusting influencers and comments to determine the credibility of information.
  • Many Gen Zers approach their digital interactions in "timepass" mode, consuming light and obligation-free content mainly to avoid boredom
  • Gen Z's digital behavior is largely influenced by the need to remain socially relevant and avoid content that is emotionally upsetting or requires deep thought.
  • The research highlighted that most Gen Z users acquire new information through algorithmically curated social feeds, creating personalized filters for content.

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