“Privacy is to be left alone.”
No matter where we go, no matter what we do, someone is always watching us.
Clothing stores have hidden cameras, there are computer chips In cars that can track your every move. There are even tracking computer chips that you can put into your skin.
Consultants and telemarketers select you for special attention based on data purchased from a vendor.
There are many people that could be watching you: a spouse, a girlfriend, boyfriend, boss, cop, or thief. People in our society think that they are safe when telling friends, family, and lovers personal information. Are we truly safe? Can you really trust these people?
Technology has made it so simple for someone to track who you are, where you live, your credit card number, telephone number, school you went to, etc. When you search something on Google, it gives you almost anything you are looking for.
I feel as though many of us do not even think about some of these things. And sometimes, it doesn’t even matter to some people. “When pollsters ask Americans about privacy, most say they are concerned about losing it. 60% say they feel their privacy is ‘slipping away, and that bothers me.’” – MSNBC.com.
“But it’s like health: When you have it, you don’t notice it. Only when it’s gone do you wish you’d done more to protect it.” – MSNBC.com. This statement is so true. When you are guaranteed privacy, you barely notice it, but once you lose it, all hell breaks loose. How do you know when too much has been taken away? Think about it. What would it be to you if your Social Security number was left in a data-storage device such as a laptop left in the back seat of a taxi?
There are business deals in society that trade discounts for personal information. For example, you go to Wal Mart and they offer you 10$ off your purchase if you provide you name, address, and telephone number. Is this an invasion of your privacy? Bribing you with a coupon? Do you ever think that someone could gain access to this information and rob your home or steal your identity?
I believe that we need to think about our own privacies. We need to realize things we need to keep private and things that are ok to publicize.
It is so easy in today’s world, by technology and new advances, that our privacy can be quickly taken away. What do you think?
I found it interesting that you mentioned how stores, like Walmart, will offer you a coupon if you provide your name and phone number. I never really thought about that issue until just now. I know at my work we ask for the name and phone number of every customer checking out. If the customer says no we proceed to tell them they'll receive coupons in the mail. How do we get the address? Well a computer searches the number and the address pops up so we can send coupons and special offers. Is that an invasion of privacy? Before now I didn't believe so, but I think I'm starting to change my mind.
ReplyDeleteI definitely think that I'm with Kiran on this one. Before now I would have never thought twice about giving up my information like that. Now that you mention it though, I can definitely see where a line is being crossed. As Kiran described it, you don't even really have an option anymore. I think the problem is that those things that we would normally consider to be private are gradually becoming accepted as something that's not. For example, every time you order/buy something online, you are required to enter in all your information, including the stuff that isn't always necessary. Yet, since every website does it, we just accept it as the "norm". Therefore, it's making it easier and easier to just hand over our privacy these days!
ReplyDeleteIt's so true that you can find ANYTHING about ANYONE on google. My mom recently found out that a website had told this woman (long story short.. that was crazy and hated my mom) our phone number, address, and even where my mom banked! It was very very scary and creepy that someone had even wanted to know, let alone they could find out all of that information. My mom was so mad that she called the company and had her information removed. privacy = nonexistant.
ReplyDeleteI find it so true that people take it for granted what privacy they do have, and when it is lost or no longer available, people flip their lid. It's as if these people believe they are the exception to the rule. As if they should be given everything, privacy and rights, and should never be allowed to have them given up or lost. When in reality, they have no right to doing that. Rights are given to those who respect them.
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