Dear Hannah,

Let's get this out of the way first.

It is correct and proper to say "the data show us".

It sounds awkward, though.

It is more useful (and less awkward) to say "the data shows".

See what I did there?

I illustrated the biggest problem I discovered during my introduction to the world of "big data".

I saw data used to engage in shallow, silly arguments about who and what is "correct" ... when there are far more useful, simpler pursuits to engage.

So, I have stopped using the word "data" ...

Love,

Daddy