Honestly, I did not think twice about entering credit cards online. How would they even have access to such personal information?I realize this was an extremely naive outlook on internet politics, especially after finding out specific facts about how the internet targets individuals. For instance, points that were brought up in class about Google and how they can go through those who have gmail (google mail), and not only read your personal emails, but target you with ad's concerning your email. This is a personal invasion of privacy. Though Google uses this "tool" to find potentially threats, hacking into someone's personal email account is too extreme a measure.
Another issue that was raised during our class discussion was the question if we have nothing to hide, (which the majority of us don't) why can't online sites and corporations reveal to the general public what they do with the information. Let's face it, who is going to stop online shopping, or stop searching for articles on Google just because they know someone is "digitally watching". Maybe that is why online stalking has gone so far, predators (identity thefts, companies) know that the internet is so intrinsically engrained in our culture, they will always have a constant stream of information and "digital people"playing into their hands.
The relationship between companies (Andrejevic uses Nike) and sites (again using Google as an example) is not reciprocal or symbiotic in any way. Once a corporation has your information, there is no way to talk or communicate with them. A faceless demon?
-Anna-
3 comments:
Anna,
When I order something online, I definitely think twice about who can see my information. But then I ask the same question you did. How would someone get access to that personal information. Business’s websites must have a secure website that protects customer’s credit card information. When you write about Google and looking at ones Gmail account. I know many people don’t agree with me, but I don’t mind if someone targets me with advertisements that I may be interested in. I have nothing to hide from someone.
If someone wants to read an email between a friend from another college, my parents or whomever, go for it. If that is something someone would get excited about, then go for it. Do I think that is a little odd, yes? Is that something I would want to do? No. But some people have different attractions and pleasures.
I think this discussion is very interesting. It is great that many people have different opinions. Well, some people agree on certain statements but others do not. It makes the class fun!
-Sam
Sam,
I agree that it is healthy to all have different opinions and beliefs about certain issues, it absolutely makes for an interesting discussion. This topic in particular about online privacy and data mining affects everyone in some way.
I think it is interesting that you say you wouldn't be opposed if someone were to go through your email. Perhaps it is a gender issue, girls don't particularly like having their things (physical or digital) looked through, whereas guys don't feel so strongly about it.
I agree with your point about having nothing to hide but are we too lenient with that? Do we let others take advantage of us too much?
-Anna-
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