INFOMEDIARY Meaning and
Definition
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An infomediary is a term coined by John Hagel III and Marc Singer to reference a new type of intermediary that operates in the digital realm. It refers to a trusted entity that collects, analyzes, and processes large amounts of personal or market-specific data in order to provide valuable information and services to both businesses and individuals.
Infomediaries essentially act as intermediaries between companies and consumers, facilitating the exchange of information and helping both parties make better decisions. They gather data from various sources, such as transactions, website visits, and social media interactions, and employ advanced analytics to derive insights and generate valuable intelligence. These insights can be personalized recommendations, targeted advertisements, or even trend forecasting.
The key feature of an infomediary is the focus on data privacy and transparency. They prioritize the protection and control of individuals' personal information, ensuring that users have full visibility and control over how their data is used. Infomediaries can also facilitate data anonymization, securely aggregating information to maintain privacy while still extracting meaningful insights.
The term "infomediary" highlights the role of intermediation in the digital world, where information is a highly valuable asset. By leveraging data and analytics, infomediaries aim to bridge the gap between consumers and businesses, enabling more efficient, personalized, and informed decision-making. They serve as a trustworthy source of information, empowering individuals and organizations to navigate the intricate digital landscape.
Etymology of INFOMEDIARY
The word "infomediary" is a combination of two words: "information" and "intermediary".
- "Information" comes from the Latin word "informatio", which means to give shape or form to something. In the Middle Ages, it started being used in English to refer to knowledge acquired through study or communication.
- "Intermediary" comes from the Latin word "intermediarius", which means "in the middle". It refers to a person or thing that acts as a link or mediator between two or more parties.
Combining these two words, "infomediary" refers to a person or entity that acts as an intermediary or middleman in the realm of information, specifically in online contexts where it typically refers to a website or service that collects and manages user data to provide personalized and relevant information.
