As much as we attempt to hide about ourselves online, unless we cease to use major social media apps and websites, no matter how many times we click “private,” our information is out there. And when we agree to the terms and conditions (of course, after not having read them), we’re doing it all willingly.
On Facebook, they have my photos, personal information, thoughts and feelings that I provide in statuses and messages, and even information based on the external applications I link with the site. There are some apps that even FORCE me to link my Facebook to even have an account in the first place! Looking at you, Tinder and Spotify.
With all this information we give Facebook, it can actually predict our future. But is it really Facebook’s fault that we are easy targets of their advertisements?
We use it because everyone else is using it. We want what everyone else has. And if we don’t?In, ‘Surveillance and Alienation in the Online Economy” Mark Andrejevic replies, “the further point to be made is that exploitation is not simply about profit, but also alienation” (283). If we don’t use it – we’re technically not a part of the functioning, modern society.
But like I said before, we give it willingly. Even after we found out that the government is, in fact, watching us and we’re becoming real life versions of Will Smith in Enemy of the State.
But if I was thinking of it in terms of Michael Foucault’s disciplinary society, the consequence of not being a part of the heard is more of a consequence rather than potentially being watched.
My questions for you are:
- Would you rather be watched than be alienated?
- Some people refuse to post photos of their children on the internet for safety. Some people vow never to turn on their locations for an app. What is one hard-no rule you have on the internet?
I believe there is no rule for using the internet. Some people like being expressive, while others prefer privacy. It all depends on the user to choose which route they prefer. Personally, I’d say I’m more on the private side, because I don’t want everyone knowing where I am and what I’m doing each day of my life, but I do update my social media about every other day so I guess a balance would be ideal.
As far as watched versus alienated, do not mind the idea of being watched if it means that it will help protect us from those who are trying to harm or cause trouble in any way. In a previous class we had a debate about whether or not the government should be able to tap phone conversations. My belief is that if you are doing nothing wrong then you have nothing to worry about. If the government believes in tapping phone calls they are doing so because someone or something is becoming a threat to society and they want to stop them before it goes too far. If they believed in alienating them then it is possible a lot more people would be put in danger without their knowledge.