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?