Exposing the hidden costs of ‘free’: Personal data commodification in the digital economy via X.0 Theory, Fuzzy Delphi, thematic analysis, and problem-solving frameworks
Journal: Journal of Policy and Society
Year: 2025

In this article, various techniques such as Fuzzy Delphi, thematic analysis method, and Creative Problem Solving (TRIZ Algorithm) are investigated to model the antecedents and consequences of personal data commodification in the digital economy in the post-truth world, through the X.0 wave/era theory. The article’s findings highlight and reveal the hidden costs of ‘free’ products and services that are offered in exchange for personal data. To address these issues, there is a growing need for inc