RealAge is really giving your info to Viagra

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You’ve all seen those tests and quizzes on Facebook and other places online. They’re fun. They’re quick. But did you ever think about who is creating them? One of the most popular quizzes online called “RealAgehas achieved popularity through “America’s Doctor,” Dr. Mehmet Oz’s regular appearances on Oprah and other news programs.  The test assigns users a “biological age” based on their answers to 150 questions. Recently, the New York Times reported that the popular RealAge quiz is really a marketing tool for drug companies. This is especially odd because the questions seem to be designed about living a better life through healthy habits, not drugs.

Most people would not voluntarily fill out an extensive survey with all of their personal information, or allow them access to all the information in their Facebook profile. So that’s where RealAge comes in. Disguised as a fun (and maybe helpful) survey, RealAge collects information and sells it to drug companies. It’s hard not feeling like you’ve gotten the shaft when your private information is being handed over to the makers of the little blue pill. Viagra is manufactured by Pfizer, but they are not the only drug company purchasing your information. Novartis and GlaxoSmithKline also use RealAge to not only get general marketing information, but also specifics. Pharmaceutical companies can find hard-targeted potential customers through test questions about how depressed someone feels, how much exercise they get or even how happy someone is in their marriage.

Legality seems to be covered in the fine print, but a lot of people don’t feel like that’s enough. RealAge has issued a statement that attempts to clarify their practices, but in the end the New York Times was correct. Be careful about who you share your personal information with, read their privacy policy.

3 Comments

  1. Jamie
    April 23, 2009

    It’s amazing how something that seems so innocent can really be just the opposite. It goes to show you that you should always read the fine print! Especially when you are giving out your personal information.

  2. August 30, 2009

    Nice write up…usually I never reply to these thing but this time I will,Thanks for the great info.

  3. James
    November 2, 2009

    I saw your page at http://demicooper.com/blog/2009/04/22/realage-is-really-giving-your-info-to-viagra/ and wanted to suggest adding a link to http://www.BioMedSearch.com

    This is a free site that aggregates biomedical literature (including all of NIH’s PubMed documents, plus millions more), but more comprehensive and with more features.