Big data, dataism and measurement

Currently, size of data is celebrated while only their usefulness in decision-making is actually important. Principles, methodologies and techniques of metrology are crucial to ensure proper and effective collection and use of data. Unfortunately, the fundamentals of metrology are seldom offered in educational degree programs, including those in scientific and technological subjects. Consequently, we should not be surprised if dataism (i.e., unconditioned belief in data) is spreading and a tsunami of improperly used data is submerging us. In the age in which measurements permeate all areas and every level of society with the expectation of promoting inconceivable socio-economic progress, underestimating the relevance of metrology is likely to lead to many serious potentially negative consequences.