Privacy: Online and Offline

 

Privacy: Online and Offline

God Isn't the Only One Watching You

Privacy, or should I say the lack thereof, is a huge issue that should be talked about more because of its pervasiveness and its impact on literally everyone. This issue is one of those things where you are more and more shocked the deeper you dive and research. And it is a shame that the individuals perpetuating this intrusive behavior say that this technology is only for enhanced experiences on websites and apps, security, and other reasons that sound good on the surface. But, we all know that when people's intentions are initially good, there is always a perversion of those intentions that become dangerous to those on the other side of the equation. And this perversion of intent is and has become weaponizable toward opposing parties. 

The Ted Talks posted by Professor Smith addressed many aspects of this issue. One addressed the digital footprint and how it acts as a "digital tattoo," while another gave insight into the mass surveillance by the government, specifically the local government, with the backing of federal government-affiliated agencies. Another talk discussed surveillance by way of cellular phones with government participation of the United States. This phone tapping of U.S. citizens is not exclusive to the U.S. government. Other countries like the UK and Canada, by way of alliances like "Five Eyes," can listen in and surveil all the calls we make and receive from our family, friends, and coworkers." And in the last Ted Talk, the speaker talks about her personal experience with the dangers of revenge porn and what she likes to call "digital domestic violence."

       

Although I have not had a close encounter with surveillance personally, I know that it is being done and that it needs to come to an end. These realities affect me because of my belief system because history has proven that this behavior has been done toward Christians and politically and morally conservative individuals. This also affects my family because we are in the same boat regarding viewpoint and moral conviction. The United States government has had a tendency to spy on and mistreat those who are bold about their differing personal opinions and worldviews. And the mass volume of information that they have access to and have retrieved is very alarming. But what is really alarming is what they will do with the information when they feel as if they are provoked and threatened. 

The United States government should IMMEDIATELY desist from this intrusive activity. THAT is what they should do. Since they are the ones participating in these acts, there should be people who work for these agencies and companies holding the higher-ups and the greater whole accountable. Although it is a risky move, hopefully with the backing of citizens some change will come about. Also, the government should stop colluding with other private companies like Facebook to engage in this activity. The government needs to have a paradigm shift because the root is that they think they are so high that they can see, control, and have a mass say so in the lives of the citizens. They think it is okay and it is ABSOLUTELY NOT. They should put a harness on the technology so that it can be used positively to enhance the lives of the citizens as they see fit. 

   

We can protect ourselves from invasions of our privacy by first educating ourselves so we know what is happening and whether it is illegal or unconstitutional. So many people get messed over and taken advantage of because of a lack of knowledge. Secondly, we can be mindful and conscious about what we chose to post, display, and say on the internet and social media. We should not give up private and intimate information that can be used as a part of our digital dossier. We can also delete our history frequently and not be as willing to give our location and private information to websites, apps, and even third-party consumers. Although we are not quite sure how to totally prevent this activity, we can take some other preventative measures so that this issue doesn't affect us more strongly than it has to.  

  

 EOTO Concept/Term That I Learned from Someone Else

I really enjoyed this round of EOTO presentations. The topics were very interesting because I could see their very complex nature in modern society. From the increase in alternative media to the mouths of public figures dripping with propaganda, we can see how these concepts and theories have shaped America's culture.

The concept that really stuck out to me was confirmation bias. Confirmation bias is when one seeks out news and conversation that confirms and supports how one believes and thinks. This is a natural tendency for everyone because we tend to seek and go after commonality in the many aspects of life. We tend to befriend those who have the same values as us. In court, we call witnesses who will aid and confirm our claims. This bias is everywhere.

I really enjoyed learning about this concept because I have found myself using confirmation bias more than I would like to. In some instances, I use it as a defense mechanism. I recognize where my worldview lies on the social acceptance spectrum and many people and news outlets try to vilify my beliefs through lies. So, I am very cautious and hesitant to go to those news sources that have an obvious bias against my worldview.

But when I do research papers, I realize that in order to create a well-balanced and credible essay, I must research and utilize the many varying opinions on an issue. The utilization of diverse opinions requires me to go to all different types of news outlets and hear and read the opinions of people in different places on the social opinions spectrum.

But I have realized that in my quest to receive a baseline of truth only from news outlets that I trust, I am neglecting the ability to be knowledgeable about other points of view. I want to be a scholar not just of the things that I believe and hold dear, but also of the things that I do not fundamentally agree with. Confirmation bias is a two-sided coin, with a positive and a negative side. But, my task is to find the balance of that coin, when and how often to use confirmation bias. I need to also be aware of how I view the world in which I live, especially from where I am standing.