Thursday, August 19, 2010

Social Media Is Going To End Us



In George Orwell's opus, 1984, Big Brother controls thought, action, and demands absolute loyalty. It was written during a time when communism was a global threat, radio and print were primary modes of mass media, and 1 income was enough to satisfy an average family budget.

Technology has given us some wonderful things since that time, like VHS tapes, cable TV, Pay Per View sports, Microwave ovens, TV dinners, Color TV, Personal Computers, Betamax, Laser Disc, DVD, HD-DVD, Blu-Ray, Hi-def TV, Mac, PC, Smart Phones, iPods, MP3 players, Zunes, iTunes, Rhapsody, and Justin Bieber.

But, how much is too much? When the social networking site MySpace launched, millions flocked to it. However, blogging sites like blogger, blog-spot, live journal and others had already been in place for several years. And it was a place to exchange ideas, stories, musings, whatever popped into your head. But, it didn't get too personal. Fast forward 6 years.

It's 2010. The idea of a blog now seems nostalgic. I haven't actively kept a blog for a couple of years. And the idea of it seems quaint. But refreshing in comparison to what is happening with Social Networking. Your friends, family, colleagues, etc. may be fine people. They may be terrific. But they have too much access to you. They can read your innermost thoughts, they can attack you in print, and now thanks to GeoLocation technology, they can always find you.

Folks, this isn't a good thing. Not everyone needs to know everything. Think of how easy it is now with a Smartphone, to take a picture or a video of someone. Someone who doesn't want to be photographed or filmed is now at the mercy of an iPhone. And their image can be used in whatever way the holder sees fit. And, my interesting web savvy friends, don't expect the laws to catch up with the times anytime soon. Things move slow in Washington. Unless it involves bailing out a large bank. Then, they're right on top of it.

With average people having access to you, your image, a camera, and a 3G connection, we are all at the mercy of each other. The honor system, such as it is, is in place. Big Brother with his cameras, microphones and thought police, doesn't have to do a thing. Little brother, with his cell phone camera, is doing all the work for him. May God have mercy on us all.

4 comments:

Big Fat Gini said...

Yeah, well the CEO of Google just proposed that we should all be able to change our names to get rid of our shady internet past. Get ready for All Boob Shots, All The Time!

Glad you're back in the blogosphere dear friend! :O)

The Mommy said...

So true and scary. I love that you're blogging!

GreenNina said...

For being such a lefty your conspiracy theory seems awfully on the right? I mean in order for the geocaching software to work don't you have to actually push the button to tell people where you are? If you don't wanna don't push the big red button! LOL!!! Seriously, on vacay that would be great - "Hey, look at me now - I'm at the Louvre!"

I am glad you are blogging again - you have a creative insight into most subjects and I enjoy our 'political banter.' Look forward to you posting many many wondrous entries on your blog!

The Faithful Underground with Dave London said...

No conspiracy theory. Just social evolution. I don't push the big red button for any reason.