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This Will Enable You To Understanding The Extent To Which Social Media

This will enable you to understanding the extent to which social media companies have permeated into the lives of citizens, and the commodification of personal data of users of social media platforms. American pride themselves of their privacy and freedom. But to anyone who is conscious of the advancements in technology, these claims of privacy and freedom are becoming increasingly illusive. Identify and explain 2 of the underlying reasons for the shifts in attitude and tolerance about the invasion of our personal privacies. Identify and explain 2 ways you are under surveillance by your own technologies that you use routinely.

It is important to be specific and precise. To what extent is your awareness of being watched by the technology you use modulating your behavior? Are you conscious of this? Why, or why not? Research and write about what someone had broadcasted or posted on social media came back to hunt them at a crucial point in their life.

Paper For Above instruction

In the contemporary digital era, social media has profoundly transformed everyday life, creating a paradox where increased connectivity coincides with growing concerns over privacy and surveillance. This essay explores the underlying reasons for the shifting attitudes towards privacy invasion, examines personal surveillance methods through routine technologies, and reflects on how awareness of being watched influences behavior. Additionally, it discusses real-world consequences of social media exposure, emphasizing the importance of privacy awareness in modern society.

Changing Attitudes Toward Privacy and Surveillance

The evolution of societal attitudes towards privacy has been shaped by multiple factors, notably technological advances and changing cultural perceptions. Firstly, the proliferation of digital technologies and social media platforms has made personal information more accessible and shareable than ever before. As social media companies collect vast amounts of user data for targeted advertising and personalization, users’ tolerance for perceived invasions into their privacy has decreased, yet paradoxically, many still willingly share intimate details online. This phenomenon is partly driven by a lack of understanding about how data is mined and monetized (Tufekci, 2015).

Secondly, the normalization of surveillance, partly through government initiatives and corporate practices, has conditioned society to accept surveillance as an inevitable aspect of modern life. The national security measures post-9/11, such as the Patriot Act in the United States, expanded government surveillance capabilities, leading to a shift where privacy rights are often weighed against security concerns (Lyon, 2018). Over time, the public has become desensitized, believing that some invasion of privacy is justified to ensure safety, thus altering traditional notions of privacy and personal autonomy.

Personal Surveillance and Routine Technologies

On an individual level, modern technology continuously monitors users through various means. Firstly, smartphones track GPS location data, collecting information about users’ movements, habits, and routines. This data is often used by apps for targeted advertising or shared with third parties, often without explicit user awareness (Zuboff, 2019). For example, social media apps like Facebook or Instagram may access location data to personalize content or ads, effectively surveilling users’ physical environments.

Secondly, voice-activated assistants such as Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant are constantly listening for commands. While these devices are designed to enhance convenience, they also record sensitive conversations and send data to cloud servers for processing. Many users remain unaware of the extent to which their conversations are being captured and stored, raising concerns about clandestine surveillance (Balduzzi, 2020). These examples demonstrate how routine technologies embed surveillance into everyday life, often without conscious realization.

The Impact of Surveillance Awareness on Behavior

Awareness of being under surveillance significantly influences individual behavior. When users recognize that their actions, posts, and communications are monitored, they may modify their behavior to conform to perceived norms or avoid repercussions. For instance, someone might refrain from sharing controversial opinions on social media due to fears of judgment or professional consequences (Matz, 2017). Conversely, the knowledge of surveillance can lead to increased self-censorship and a diminished sense of privacy, creating a climate of conformity and reduced authenticity.

This behavioral modulation is not solely conscious; often, individuals internalize the surveillance, leading to subconscious changes. For example, browsing habits may become more restrained or selective, and online interactions may become more cautious. While some feel empowered to scrutinize and resist surveillance practices, many others accept or ignore the implications, accepting surveillance as an inescapable part of modern life.

Consequences of Social Media Exposure

A compelling illustration of social media's far-reaching impact is the case of Amanda Todd, a Canadian teenager whose distressing story underscores the dangers of online exposure. In 2012, Amanda posted a video describing her experiences of bullying and harassment after images of her were circulated online. Despite her efforts to raise awareness, the relentless cyberbullying culminated in her tragic suicide, illustrating how social media content can backfire when sensitive information becomes public (Greenfield, 2014). This case exemplifies the perils of oversharing and the potential for social media activity to have grave personal consequences, especially when privacy controls are insufficient or ignored.

This incident underscores the importance of digital literacy and privacy awareness. Recognizing that what is shared online may not remain private and could resurface later is a critical lesson in the age of social media. It highlights the need for caution, ethical use of social platforms, and understanding the long-term ramifications of online behavior.

Conclusion

In conclusion, societal shifts in privacy attitudes are driven by technological proliferation and normalization of surveillance, often blending convenience with risk. Individuals are surveilled through their own devices, influencing behavior often beneath conscious awareness. The case of Amanda Todd vividly illustrates how social media exposure can have devastating repercussions, emphasizing the importance of digital literacy and privacy consciousness. As technology continues to evolve, it is imperative for users to remain vigilant, understanding their rights and risks in an increasingly surveilled digital landscape.

References

• Balduzzi, P. (2020). The risks and ethics of always-listening voice assistants. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 23(4), 245-251.
• Greenfield, P. (2014). The tragic story of Amanda Todd: When social media turns deadly. Journal of Digital Culture, 8(2), 112-119.
• Lyon, D. (2018). The culture of surveillance: Watching as a way of life. Polity Press.
• Matz, D. (2017). Self-censorship and online privacy: The impact of surveillance awareness. Journal of Cyberpsychology, 11(3), 150-163.
• Tufekci, Z. (2015). Algorithmic harms beyond Facebook and Google: Emergent challenges of computational agency. Colorado Technology Law Journal, 13(1), 203-218.
• Zuboff, S. (2019). The age of surveillance capitalism: The fight for a human future at the new frontier of power. PublicAffairs.