It struck me as I read "BBC: Google Pulls Some Street Images" that while some were making noise about being pictured (and demanding that their now public sightings be removed), others were SUBMITTING PHOTOS of their found selves to be publicized. Different people want different things. And, sometimes, the same people want different things... in juuuuuuust the right proportion.
Sure, Carrie wants her photo in the paper. But would she rather be seen the city over looking a wreck than not be in the paper at all?
Aaaaaand I'm back to the control issue. At what point does technology's power (to expose, to misrepresent) extend beyond our immediate control? What do we sacrifice, technologically, for 'complete' control? Or is control, at this point, an illusion? What kinds of privacy to we exchange for connectivity?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
It's a good point you make, regarding a desire privacy versus desire for connection. How much of our lives IS private, these days? Name, address, phone number, email address, credit card info, social security number, credit score, loans, schooling, and more - all this goes down on forms, whether you're ordering something, applying for a mortgage, or receiving services from a health care provider. Maybe each one doesn't have ALL your information, but they do have enough to track you down. Maybe they don't know what you look like, but they do know how to contact you. Registering on an SNS or for an email - you have to put down some of the above information and then it's up to you how you use that online application. Will you send/share photos with friends? Will you restrict access? So many questions, no clear answers, so much open access, very little that others can't find out about you. Welcome to 2009.
ReplyDeleteWhat happens when people feel a lack of control? Or when things feel out of control? Go to: http://digg.com/d1ns8F for report "Gang of villagers chase away Google car."
ReplyDeleteI remember being in a remote area of Scotland years ago and the book mobile drove into town... the villagers came running welcoming it with happiness and excitement for it delivered books and information to them. Now with the
google mobile and other technologies, people feel as if information is being taken from them without their consent or permission.