Surveillance Technology Modify's Behavior

New technology is wonderful and has opened many doors for people to be exposed to things they would not have otherwise been. It is also very dangerous as it progresses because the amount of information being fed into the Internet through Web 2.0 can be extremely dangerous. So much information is shared online, and there is so much potential for people to watch and be watched. It's not just a matter of keeping your information private anymore. The issue is that there is no privacy, and that people are constantly being watched. This surveillance issue is contributing to our information being put out to the world, but it also modifies our behavior and actions by us knowing that we are constantly being watched.

Let's first talk about Google Earth. My first impression of this technology was, "wow, this is kind of cool". However, later on as it grew and as my house became exposed to the entire world when my address was entered in Google, it made me think how potentially dangerous this could be. People can not only find out my address and know where I live, they can Google it and see where I live. I for one am not pleased at this new technology because I think it has potential to breed stalkers.

Secondly, one of my partners shared a story with me about a man working at Dunkin Donuts who fought while being robbed because he was concerned with his image and what people would think when they saw this video on you tube! This is ridiculous! The robber could have shot and killed this guy or beat him up really badly, yet all he thinks about is the surveillance video getting on you tube and what people would think of him. This story is a little different because instead of the information being put out there unwillingly or unknowingly, this guy intentionally modified his actions so that he could place the video on youtube.

Thirdly, we brought up the issue of constantly being watched, filmed, or photographed even without knowing it. Student athletes are required to follow very strict rules, some of them including not having inappropriate pictures (pictures with alcohol and other such things) being taken and posted anywhere. The issue is that people, anyone can take a picture or video these days, post it, and you won't even know. Coaches, employers, professors, and anyone are constantly looking out for pictures and such. There is no sense of privacy anymore which is sad.

The main theme of discussion amongst our group is that this surveillance technology can be so destructive because it heightens peoples awareness of people watching all around them. People know that they are constantly being watched and this modifies and influences their behaviors and actions. This problem is evolving in such a way that people know they are being surveyed and are doing things to get attention. I am personally terrified of where this technology can go, but on the side, I am excited about all the positive possibilities resulting from this technology.