We love bargains more than privacy

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There is an excellent article in Business Insider, "Here's Why You're Going To Give In And Start Using Foursquare And Groupon Whether You Like It Or Not," which explains why we consumers so blithely give personal information to any retailer who wants it:

Check-in apps are rapidly becoming more focused on deals -- coupons and discounts that are only available to people using these services. Loopt CEO Sam Altman describes his new app as "a virtual loyalty card" for participating businesses.

Loyalty cards -- the ones you whip out at Safeway or CVS -- have effectively set up two sets of prices: One for the regular consumers, one lower set for the consumers who willingly let the companies track your buying patterns via the card. And now, the tradeoff between personal information and pennies on the dollar will move into other areas, like where you happen to be every day.

At what point do you decide your privacy is more valuable than the demographic or purchasing information you give up for discounts? Tell us at dollarsandsense@sfgate.com.

Posted By: Lisa Schmeiser (Email) | June 17 2010 at 01:39 PM

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