Blog Post #12

    As an undergraduate student in today's digital world, I've come to realize just how complicated online privacy has become. For my generation, feeling in control of our online presence seems nearly impossible. Growing up with social media, many of us have had our lives documented before we even knew what it meant. The article I’m 14 and I Quit Social Media reflects a common frustration, the feeling that we don’t have control over what gets posted about us online. This story is part of The Privacy Divide, a series that dives into the cultural and economic issues surrounding digital privacy.

    It’s striking to think that for many of us, the decisions about our online identities are made before we can even speak. I’ve seen this firsthand in the lives of those close to me. When they discovered what their friends and family had posted about them on social media, they felt embarrassed. It opened my eyes to how easily our lives can be shared without our consent. That experience led to an important conversation with those around me about what boundaries should exist online. I believe this is a conversation that many families should have because it’s crucial to discuss how our digital footprints can follow us for a long time.

    The struggle with online privacy doesn’t stop with individuals. It extends to professionals, too. The article I Left the Ad Industry Because Our Use of Data Tracking Terrified Me highlights a growing concern about how our data is tracked and used. Every post, click, and purchase contributes to a vast amount of personal information that companies collect. In many cases, we have become the product. Instead of just connecting with consumers, advertising has shifted toward finding new ways to gather personal information from us through our devices.

    The author of this piece left the advertising industry because they were uncomfortable with how data was used to manipulate consumers. They pointed out that the original purpose of advertising, building connections, has been replaced by a relentless quest for personal information. The devices we use, from smartphones to smart speakers, invite a network of companies into our lives, all trying to track our every move. Accepting this reality can feel overwhelming, especially when it raises questions about our privacy and autonomy. Should we really be giving up so much personal information just to use these platforms?

    For my generation, it feels impossible to completely disconnect from social media. It's woven into our everyday lives and affects how we communicate, socialize, and even express ourselves. But just because we can’t escape it entirely doesn’t mean we can’t take steps to protect ourselves. It’s important to think carefully about what we share online and who we share it with. Being aware of what companies do with our data is equally essential. 

    Having conversations about digital boundaries, like the one I had with my family, is key to understanding how to manage our online presence. We may not have complete control, but we can make better choices. The stories in The Privacy Divide remind us that while we face challenges in the digital world, we can still take charge of our online identities. By staying informed and having open discussions about privacy, we can advocate for a safer and more ethical digital environment for ourselves and future generations.