Everyone knows, or should know, that everything we type on our computers or say into our cell phones is being disseminated throughout the datasphere. And most of it is recorded and parsed by big data servers. Why do you think Gmail and Facebook are free? You think they're corporate gifts? We pay with our data.

The quote by Douglas Rushkoff, "Everyone knows, or should know, that everything we type on our computers or say into our cell phones is being disseminated throughout the datasphere. And most of it is recorded and parsed by big data servers. Why do you think Gmail and Facebook are free? You think they're corporate gifts? We pay with our data," highlights the reality of how our personal information is collected and used in the digital age. Rushkoff argues that nothing is truly "free" on the internet, and we are paying for these seemingly free services by providing our data, which is then monetized by corporations.

Rushkoff’s statement emphasizes the relationship between big data and the services we use daily, like email and social media. These platforms offer their services for free, but in return, they collect vast amounts of data on our behavior, preferences, and interactions. This data is often analyzed and used for targeted advertising, product development, and other profit-driven activities. The underlying message is that while we might not pay in traditional terms (money), we are still paying with our privacy and personal information.

The origin of this quote comes from Douglas Rushkoff, a media theorist, author, and technology critic known for his insights into the relationship between technology, society, and economics. Rushkoff has written extensively about the implications of digital technologies on culture and privacy, and his work often critiques the business models of tech companies that rely on harvesting data from users.

Rushkoff’s words serve as a cautionary reminder about the hidden costs of digital platforms and the privacy trade-offs we make when using "free" services. His quote encourages us to be more aware of how our data is being used, and to question the corporate interests that drive the digital economy. It also highlights the need for greater awareness and regulation around data privacy in the digital age.