Of course, a lot of this is personally driven. If you yourself, don't want to share - you don't have to. However, if you look at the trends of social networking, it's becoming harder and harder not to be a part of it. Some will be stubborn but it doesn't stop other people from talking about them, posting photos of them and updating location updates saying they are at this location with them. Either way, you can't completely control your privacy anymore.
While some say that social networking alienates people, most would argue it brings them closer as they can keep up to date with what everyone is doing and instantly communicate to each other. Only thing is, it is done virtually rather than in person.
Another thought about information being completely virtual is that it is hugely easier to track. it is a scary thought to think that every tidbit of information that is posted onto the internet inclusive of passwords and personal details, every photo or attachment that is emailed, every video that is uploaded - is most likely going to be kept forever (and accessible if you know how).
That leads to the topic of Surveillance. We are living in a Surveillance Society - I definitely believe that. It is going to be the topic of my major project so you will probably be hearing more about it so I won't go into it in this blog. I just thought I'd share some thoughts - inspired by watching a video on TED about our world's need to share. Why not check it out?
5 comments:
I don't think there really is such thing as privacy on the internet. Once you've started releasing information about yourself it is forever kept in storage.
I agree with you that there is way too much sharing on the internet. People use social networking as diary about their lives rather than to keep in touch with friends.
The term Surveillance society is very intersting. You are so right we can be tracked and followed through the internet so easily. Especially if you have an IPhone or any Smart Phone for that matter. I know that my phone is always asking me to update my location. It is so scary how much information can be found or capatured on the internet about us. What's scarier is that once its been on the internet, you can delete it, but it can always be found.
We do have privacy.. though only if we choose not to post it on the internet. And not -everyone- posts everything all the time, only those few social exhibitionists you come across on your feeds and whatnot.
That being said though, I really don't see the point of check-ins and such. Why let everyone know where you are at a single point in time?
I actually looked at privacy for my blog this week. It is interesting to see how much information is really out there for the world to see as I 'Googled Myself' to see how much of my private information was really out there.
Its a shame to think that what you post on the internet could affect your future. There is really too much being put on the internet and I think that young adolescents are at the greatest risk as they dont yet understand the consequences of their posts.
Great Blog Annie!
Thanks for the thoughts guys!
I agree that social networking these days can be used by some more like a diary than anything else! The whole asking you to "update your location" thing is also crazy... I believe they don't even REALLY need you to do that, cause they have tracking devices through GPS anyway on mobiles these days.
And Elise, I ended up Googling myself this afternoon inspired by your comment! haha... spent a good hour reading about other Annie Tsai's which then made me feel kinda creepy... I'll def check out your blog about privacy too!
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