Big Brother is Watching You
Google Plus has arrived. Although I really didn’t think it was possible, it can quite certainly be described as even more invasive than Facebook. I really like the idea of keeping my public life (Facebook) and my private life (Gmail) separate. So far I’ve resisted joining, but I think I am going to have to come to terms with the fact that nothing is going to be private anymore, namely because Google has become an integral part of my daily life, and Google is insisting on making their user experience more social. Google has begun to integrate social rankings with their search and this means that your search will now bring back results with your friends’ favorites first.
Furthermore, new websites that are sprouting up won’t even let you register for their site unless you login with your public Facebook or Twitter account (I’m looking at you Swap.com and Pinterest). Beyond that, recent news reports show us that anonymity is becoming a luxury of the past.
The name Anthony Weiner comes to mind. The NYU Subway girl, the Vancouver kissing couple and the Stanley Cup looters also come to mind. With the exception of Mr. Weiner, the culprits were photographed or videotaped without their knowledge or consent, the videos and photographs were posted online, they were then identified by acquaintances, and were subsequently humiliated and punished for their behavior.
One of the Vancouver looters, who stole a few pairs of pants, was condemned by her university with the possibility of expulsion on the table. In several ways the ease with which people can be held accountable for their actions is empowering. I recall an incident recently at the DFW airport where I witnessed an Indian man being harassed in the security line in what was a blatant case of racism. The security man would not let the man go to his gate, and I immediately took out my cell phone and began recording the entire exchange. It was an incredible feeling to know that there was a way to bring light to this event instead of standing there helplessly.
Similar occurrences are sprouting up all over the world. Videos and subsequent identification of victims of dictatorial violence in the Middle East are shedding light on injustices that governments were historically able to mask. UK Uncut protesters were able to videotape police violence and kettling and are now taking their case to court. The incidents are countless, spanning from epic blunders to garden variety missteps, and the implications are heavy, both personally and professionally. The question is, is the demise of anonymity good for our society? Will dishonest people start behaving well now that there is nowhere to hide? What about people who just make an honest mistake - will they be chastised for the rest of their lives? Will no one be allowed to have a bad day anymore? What are your thoughts on the matter?
