Final answer:
Methods in object-oriented programming are actions invoked on objects that can manipulate data and possibly alter the object's state. Metadata, while not revealing content, can still disclose a lot about individual behavior. Both the methods and the metadata they collect are crucial concepts in the field of Computers and Technology at the College level.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept methods as referred to in the student's question pertains to an important principle in object-oriented programming. In the realm of computers and technology, a method is akin to a message which, when sent to an object, can perform actions, manipulate data, and return information. This aligns with the student's understanding that methods retrieve information from objects. Still, it's worth noting that methods are not only about retrieving data; they can also be used to implement behavior and modify the state of the object.
For instance, consider a simple object in a programming context, such as a Date object. It might have methods such as .getCurrentDay() or .addDays(int numberOfDays). The former retrieves data about the object (what day it is), while the latter changes the state of the object by adding a specified number of days to the current date.
In terms of metadata, which was mentioned in the information provided, this pertains to data about data. In various domains, such as telecommunications and web services, metadata can reveal patterns about user behavior without exposing the content of the communications. However, as the student notes, even non-content data can be very telling and can potentially be linked back to individuals, which is a significant privacy concern.