Is privacy important to you? Are you able to live a relatively private life? How has technology changed your idea of a "private life?"
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Robert Costigan
9/17/2012 10:03:54 am
Privacy is essential in my everyday life. Being an only child, I've learned to kind of get used to the fact that someone may not be around all the time, so I find it fortunate to have had a pretty private life in the past. Just recently, however, my life really hasn't been as private as past years. It isn't necessarily a bad thing, but my junior year I had been exposed to the public about my volleyball abilities. News reporters such as the Connecticut Post, Waterbury Republican, and Oxford Patch have all attended my games and always interview me about how I, as the captain, had conducted the team to win, or how we are going to deal with the recent loss and how we can learn from that. Channel 3 last year had also covered almost my whole journey of being one among the top 5 national high school players for my position. After the loss against Newington in the state finals, 4 different reporters had come up to me asking about how I felt we had played and how we would prepare ourselves for next year. Technology, to be honest, has helped me in getting recruited. All these achievements have gotten me recognition by some of the best volleyball schools in the country, and I cross my fingers every day that I get recruited by at least one of these schools because there are a lot of great players out there. Without the press and the news, I would have never gotten recognized, and I am very thankful that I did.
Mrs. E
9/17/2012 10:21:13 am
Interesting take on the privacy issue. Don't get too famous, Rob, you might end up hating the paparazzi :)
Kyle Blake
9/17/2012 12:30:18 pm
In your situation, the media has helped you by invading your privacy, but, for the most part, they negatively invade in the personal lives of people they interview.
Kaitlyn Twombly
9/17/2012 01:14:07 pm
As Mrs. Elbakry stated, this is a very interesting view on privacy. Many people, including myself, typically look at technology as a somewhat negative asset to our private lives'. It is interesting to see the benefits technology and a lack of general privacy can have on someone.
Kaleigh Cragan
9/18/2012 11:45:52 am
This is a very different spin on the benefits of having your private life exposed, Rob. This is actually one of the few ways, I believe, the media and social networks are helpful and beneficial to someone and their career. Very interesting!
Christina Martinelli
9/19/2012 01:25:24 pm
Rob, i like the way you used sports to convey to people that not having privacy can also be a good thing. I am currently trying to be recruited for horseback riding so I know exactly how you feel. good luck! fingers crossed!!:)
Danielle O'Banner
9/17/2012 10:27:16 am
Privacy is very important, but it is also a privilege. Everyone should be granted the right to live their own in privacy, but just as easily as it is given it should be taken away. Some people do not deserve privacy due to their irrational and dangerous behavior. If that happens to be the case, which it is with some people than I think that they should get their rights revoked. But, everyone's perception of privacy is different and we cannot take everyone's thoughts about privacy into account when deciding what should be kept private. I would like to think I live a rather private life, my parents don't really eject themselves into my life unless I give them good reason. With that said, the only thing that does bother them is what I post on the internet because I'm a bit of a loose cannon. Now, technology has not changed my perception of a private life because if someone has decided to give people a daily update about their life via text, facebook, twitter, etc (although most of us do not care to read it) and talk about all their issues than that is purely their decision. No one forces anyone to post that stuff on public social networking sites. When it comes to people being able to see what you search on that internet, that doesn't directly effect me because whatever you are looking up should not need to be that inconspicuous. When given privacy, people take advantage of it. We've all seen the news articles and videos on kids who commit suicide and hurt themselves because they are bullied because of their race, sexual orientation, etc. All that occurs over the computer and during school, that is exactly why we can't have privacy and if that isn't a good enough reason I don't know what is.
El Bakes
9/17/2012 11:18:58 am
I agree with you on the social media outlook - it's funny how the people that put all of their issues, feelings, etc. out there in the open are the first ones to tell people to "stay out of my business!" Oh, the irony!
Danielle O
9/17/2012 11:31:29 am
A line should not need to be drawn. When you are in school and accessing anything that is public you have given up your right to privacy. When you are home, what you do is private until you choose to post it on the internet.
Meghan Giannettino
9/17/2012 11:43:55 am
Danielle, I agree that privacy is a privilege and how easily granted it is to others, but it can be taken away just a easily.
Rob Costigan
9/17/2012 01:01:23 pm
Very interesting point towards the end, Danielle. It seems in the modern world of today we have heard about too many suicide stories due to the "private bullying." Great take on everything though. Strong response to the question.
Brennen diaz
9/17/2012 02:04:01 pm
It is human nature to challenge authority. With privacy and advancements in technology; people are given this opportunity, except just easier. There is a line to be drawn, but where. Will schools have to search Facebook and Twitter for problems that do not involve them. A school is an institution just for learning and education. When privacy is abused the solution always seems dictator like, but what else do you expect?
andrew lynch
9/20/2012 01:13:15 pm
The problem is that if the government or even school monitor facebook and twitter, people will argue that there privacy is being invaded. But once someone gets hurt, because no one was monitoring the websites, there will be fingers pointed as to who is responsible. Some WILL point to the school and the government.
Kyle Blake
9/17/2012 12:28:09 pm
I believe that privacy is a necessity in the life of every person living today. There are so many ways to invade someones privacy, whether it is in social networking or just overlooking someones phone while they are texting. I personally, do not care who looks at my social networking accounts because I have nothing to hide. I would never post anything bad about another person or put any very personal information on a social networking site. If people want to look at my posts, go ahead! I let my parents use my Facebook if they want. All they have to do is ask. If they so not ask I will get mad. If they want to look at it without asking, then they can get their own to look at. I also believe that news stations should not be able to operate. They invade the private of people in every story they report. They do not care if they do either.
Rob Costigan
9/19/2012 08:36:12 am
You are one of the very few that has nothing to hide, and you should be proud of that, too. It's going to be a lot less stressful when you apply to colleges or even go in for job interviews. And yes, the news can get annoying after a while. They twist your words, try to cause conflict, and try to promote false ideas. Yellow journalism is just so childish.
Steve Mahoney
9/20/2012 10:57:27 am
I think its great that you're so open about your life and have nothing to hide, not many people can say the same. However, I disagree with your statement about news stations and think that they are just doing their jobs.
Ally Capes
9/20/2012 02:45:20 pm
I can totally relate to you, Kyle, when you say that you don't care who looks at your social networking sites- I feel the same way. I've learned to use twitter and facebook to my advantage and post things that show the best side of me, rather than my weakest.
Meghan Giannettino
9/17/2012 12:32:37 pm
Privacy is very important and as Danielle stated before is a privilege. Everyone deserves privacy, but if abused you right to privacy it can be taken away. For example a little kid is bulling other kids over via text messaging. Their parents found out and now they monitor their child's text messages. The child lost their privilege to having private conversation over text. Most parents now these days give less privacy to their kids, especially with technology. My personal experience with privacy being invaded is very rare. My parents trust and respect me enough to know that I'm not doing anything wrong. Unless I gave them a reason why I deserve for my privacy to be taken away, like the little kid with texting. With more technology out it is very easy for someone like the government to invade your privacy. I would hope the government uses it more for looking into criminals or terrorists. Possibly a very slime chance in the future that it could get to the point where in it's like in 1984 as George Orwell writes about no one having any privacy. I hope it never gets to that point and that we all realize when enough of your rights are being violated like that to do something about it.
Mrs. Elbakry
9/17/2012 01:04:20 pm
Meghan, I can't wait for you to see what I have in store for class tomorrow! It's closer than you think.
Camille Glasow
9/17/2012 02:12:41 pm
I agree with meghan that hopefully if the government is invading one's personal privacy it would be for the greater good, like stopping terrorists. Also that the government shouldn't abuse this power, like in 1984.
Kristina Lacasse
9/19/2012 08:24:27 am
It is common that people think that they are not being watched because it is so hidden in this world. It is so surprising how much we are monitored.
Lauren Barry
9/20/2012 08:57:22 am
Meghan, the idea of earning and maintaining your privacy is so true. I think the example you gave is an excellent one in that kids younger and younger are being given technology, such as cell phones, and most of the time they are unaware of limits, such as what they can and cannot say.
Kaitlyn Twombly
9/17/2012 01:09:30 pm
Privacy is more than important to my everyday life. In school, there is not much privacy at all. When I get home, it is basically the same way. Until I shut my door to do nightly homework, there is no privacy. I say this because with social networking sites being able to track your exact location and cell phones so people can get in touch with you at all times, privacy is essentially nonexistent. Although I am partaking in an activity in which I would usually prefer not to, I value my nightly homework sessions solely because of the privacy I am granted at that time. My cell phone is put away, I am not on social networking sites, I am not in a public place, and my family gives me alone time. New technology has changed my idea of privacy in its entirety. Although I do not share every detail of my life with my followers or Facebook friends, I feel as though many do, making privacy completely absent for those people. In my eyes, people can choose to obtain a private life if they wish to.
Amanda D
9/17/2012 01:33:14 pm
I too would rather not post my life's weakest or even most successful moments on the Internet. I like to keep information within a small group such as my family. There was a time I could have been considered a Facebook fanatic, but as time went on I saw posts which made me uninterested. Social media networks are mostly used as a place to vent nowadays. It seems the people on my timeline do not care or realize that their personal and sometimes inappropriate messages are being viewed from people all over the world. So although people can choose their privacy as you say, most do not take advantage of that authority.
Rob Costigan
9/19/2012 08:27:11 am
I really like how you said peope can choose to obtain a private life if they wish to because it's so true! People post annoying things about themselves on the internet and information that can be used negatively in the future. Some just have to learn the hard way, and it's disappointing to know that
Amanda D
9/17/2012 01:24:14 pm
It dawned on me tonight as I was applying to a college how very little choice I have but to release my personal information for the public to examine. Unlike social media networks such as Twitter or Facebook, I am obligated to share this information. I do feel like it is an invasion of my privacy. Although there are many aspects of my life that need to be factored into every college to see if it is suitable, some questions they require answered make me question is it I who they are looking to recruit or my family they are trying to know better? Specifically Newbury College in Massachusetts already had information such as my social security number, address, current highschool and more. I was stunned to see this because I had not previously looked at, nor submitted this information on the website. It was only when I had entered my name when this information appeared. I did not realize how much about someone is so easy accessible. I was naive about the situation and now feel uncomfortable knowing certain people and places allready have my personal information without my consent. It should not be tossed around as easily as I found it tonight. As for physically being in the public eye, I notice it more each day. Today I calculated how many times I was on surveillance. Between school, a restaurant, a gym and a convent store I would approximate my time being 10 hours. I am astonished that almost half my day was being scrutinized. The more I become aware of it the more I am against the lack of privacy.
Mrs. Elbakry
9/17/2012 02:44:59 pm
Truly eye opening isn't it? Excellent response.
Haley Krivensky
9/18/2012 10:31:55 am
I never thought about keeping track of how many times a day I am under surveillance. That is so crazy to think that almost half of our day is on a recording tape somewhere, or on a television being watched by someone. It kind of creeps me out and scares me a bit to know that my every move is being watched or recorded.
Alyssa Ferreone
9/20/2012 09:40:56 am
So true Amanda. You can't even apply without entering all kinds of information like your social security number. It's getting ridiculous.
Vcitoria Marino
9/20/2012 10:54:36 am
It is so sad to know how much of our lives is actually under surveillance and basically being watched. This shows how much we are not trusted by our government and that they feel the need to watch almost all of our moves while in public.
Richard Katrenya
9/20/2012 02:41:24 pm
Amanda, after reading your post, it has dawned on me as well. When I am applying to all of these college's, I'm just going through the motions, and I hardly think about what I post. In my response, I wrote about how you shouldn't post anything on the internet that you aren't willing to let EVERYONE know, but for your college example, yes it is sort of disturbing how we are being forced to give away our personal information.
Brennen Diaz
9/17/2012 01:58:19 pm
Privacy is very important to me. Privacy allows us to be alone from others and influences from the world. It keeps us sane, in my perspective. I think that privacy is still very well kept, at least in this country. Yet, other counties; do not have the freedom of privacy that we do. Similar to Big Brother, governments like North Korea have a watch on their citizens and the press too. Nonetheless as the 21st Century is moving forward; technology especially in America plays a bigger role in our lives every day. Technology is misunderstood by many. People try to tie the advances in technology with the encroachment on their own privacy. For example, social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter where comments and rumors are started have been used to fire employees or have made colleges drop scholarships to students. Well, those are open to the public and individuals should not put personal aspects of their life on the internet. People have more control over their privacy than they think when it comes to technology. Yea, there are surveillance cameras, but those mainly come from small businesses trying to protect their merchandise, not government spying on people. However, with terrorists threats peoples' privacy has been encroached on. The TSA in airports and certain people with religious backgrounds (Muslims). Personally, the TSA is a necessary evil when it comes to privacy. I would not like to get grabbed up on, but I definitely do not want a plane to blow up. Technology is changing with the world not the other way around. This is the world we live in and privacy at times may have to been given up. Thoughts on TSA and airport security?
Tim Osborn
9/18/2012 07:00:17 am
I totally agree with you on the whole TSA idea. Yes walking through security is sometimes very revealing, however I would rather have them go through everyone's things to make sure that I was traveling on a safe plane. Unfortunately one problem ruins it for everyone.
Dan Mott
9/19/2012 12:41:40 pm
I understand where you are coming from with the TSA agents, but I disagree slightly. I think its necessary to have them. I also believe it is needed to "profile" passengers even though its not socially acceptable. Once 9/11 occurred, the doors opened and security tightened. I fell bad for them, but thats they way it has to be.
Katie Mitchell
9/19/2012 01:55:36 pm
I agree with the TSA thing as well. Although it is an invasion of privacy, it is keeping us safe and alive. And it is reassuring knowing every person on your flight had to go through the same thing as you did.
Shayne Fitol
9/20/2012 10:16:50 am
I completely agree with basically everything you just said. The social networking thing, the cameras, and the TSA. When it comes to the TSA, like you said, it is "a necessary evil." I think that is very well put. When it comes down to it, would you rather wait in line and go through that whole process or be blown up in an airplane?
Christina Buswell
9/20/2012 12:44:11 pm
I definitely agree with you. Especially with how technology is changing with the world not the other way around.
Camille Glasow
9/17/2012 02:08:52 pm
Privacy is important to me in my everyday life. However in an age where technology is becoming more and more abundant, it's difficult to even find a small bit of privacy throughout the day. From the moment you wake up until you fall asleep at night your life is far from private. Every post or status you make on facebook or twitter, for example is posted for the world to see. People can view your current location or the time in which you posted a particular statement. If you think about it, it's actually very creepy and if someone wanted to find out something about you, a simple google search of your name would bring up many webpages. Whether it was your profile on a social networking site, or an online newspaper article involving you, someone could find out about you in a split second. This goes to show how different things have became since technology and the internet has been used by the general public. just a few years ago The easiest one's name could be found was in newspaper records or a school or work transcript. Nowadays, it's nearly impossible to dodge from your name being all over the web.
Mrs. Elbakry
9/17/2012 02:59:33 pm
Very thoughtful response,Camille.
Zach Antonio
9/20/2012 08:14:45 am
I agree with you Camille. However, I feel that every time we post something on a social website, we are giving away our privacy ourselves. No one forces us to create a facebook or twitter. In the end, whatever we post online, we are responsible.
Maria Castelot
9/20/2012 12:20:00 pm
I agree with you Camille, it is really difficult nowadays to have privacy because people feel as if its completely normal to have the world know whats happening throughout their day.
Tim Osborn
9/18/2012 06:52:38 am
Privacy is very important to me! Without privacy I think I would go insane. If people were consistently pestering me I would never get anything accomplished. Ever since Facebook and social networking cites were developed the privacy of everyone has greatly decreased! Everyone has gone on another person's page to view what they were doing over the weekend or on their vacation. And creeping on other peoples pages has become very common for people to do, hence the phrase "Facebook Creeper". In order to live a private life I must be away from nosy people who want to be in my business. Other than that I don't have anything to hide from people. However, not everyone is like me and has their own idea of privacy. This is a "case sensitive" topic for each individual.
Michaela Ryan
9/18/2012 02:29:54 pm
I can understand that with today's technology, it feels as if it's almost impossible to have a moment of privacy. When I used social networking sites, with the click of a button, anyone could see a day to day timeline of my life. I actually became very frustrated and even a little afraid of this, because people that I barely knew had access to MY personal life. But, then again, I was the one posting this information for everyone to see. I was letting people invade my privacy. Modern technology may give us the ability to put out more information, but it certainly doesn't take away our privacy. Only if you let it.
Kristina Lacasse
9/18/2012 08:10:35 am
Most people that their privacy is sacred, but when you think about it, nothing is private. Privacy is a privilege. If someone is in danger of harming themselves or others, their privacy can easily be diminished. Technology nowadays minimizes the amount of privacy in our lives. There are GPS and trackers in technology, so people can be tracked. Now even when you delete something on your computer, it can still be traced. The hype of social media has changed the idea of private lives. Now the idea of being private is not tweeting everything and not sharing addresses. People give up their right to privacy when they post every detail of their life online. Even sharing pictures can be traced to the location. There are many cases of stalking due to the increase of social networking. People who value privacy need to look into how much people are monitored.
Nick Casablanca
9/18/2012 10:07:46 am
I have a family that includes three younger siblings than me. I have one younger brother, whom I share a room with, and my two sisters. I do like to have my privacy day to day, but i don't really have a way to keep my privacy for long when my family gets home. Although to be honest, i don't mind having a private life. I enjoy being with my family and spending good times with them, even though we will occasional have our bad times. I also like to flip the role on my siblings and invade on their privacy a little bit and playing a joke or annoying them a bit, since i am the oldest and all. On the more serious side though, being the oldest of four definitely doesn't mean i can always lay low and have a private life, I have to set the example for my brother and sisters and I am relied on heavily by both my parents to do the best I can and always call on me to do something for them. Technology wise, I don't truly feel that there really is such a private life through it, unless you really lay low and shy away from all the technology. If anything, the social networking sites have either changed the way we want to keep our private stuff more secure or we truly haven't bothered to change anything at all.
Michaela Ryan
9/18/2012 10:16:57 am
Honestly, I've never felt as if my privacy has been invaded by the government, or anyone else for that matter. Of course, I've lived in Oxford for my entire life, and this town doesn't exactly scream "threat to our nation's security." The biggest scare I've ever experienced was a bomb threat in middle school, which turned out to be nothing. I'm sure other places experience threats and attacks every day. We've all obviously heard about incidents like 9/11 and other attacks on our security, but I can't imagine how it would feel to actually be there. I guess I would be afraid, and maybe even angry at our government for not stopping it. In my opinion, it's much better to take extra security precautions than to sacrifice innocent lives for a little more privacy. The only people that should be afraid of being watched are the people who are committing crimes. I'm not doing anything wrong, so I have no problem with it. If I ever feel like the government is invading my rights, that's when I'll have a problem. 9/19/2012 02:41:52 pm
Haha yeah, Oxford really isn't one of those "threatening" towns. When talking about the government, I completely agree that when you KNOW you haven't done anything wrong, you should really have nothing to worry about. I just think it's crazy how technology has gotten that advanced in the matter of a decade.
Haley Krivensky
9/18/2012 10:29:05 am
To me, privacy is one of the most important things to have in my life. If I do not have any privacy throughout my day I would not be able to get any homework assignments, studying, reading, etc done. I have a brother and a sister, both which are younger than I am. It may seem like having only two siblings is not something that would interfere with my privacy all that much, but it is. It is usually NEVER quiet in my house unless people are asleep. My little brother is constantly running around yelling, bursting into my room, asking what I'm doing, and so on. It is extremely hard to find privacy when my younger siblings can't even understand the meaning of it themselves. I also believe that privacy is a privilege to have and should not be abused. Sure, I don't want the government reading every single thing I post on the internet, not that any of it is hurtful to another person or too personal about myself. It is still something that bothers me, knowing that they can see everything I'm saying or doing. I may not be a threat to the society, tweeting about how much I hate school or what my favorite song lyric is, but some people are. If someone has done something to prove that they do not deserve privacy, then they should not have it.
Jessica Fedak
9/19/2012 01:09:01 pm
I agree with you, Haley. It is hard to find privacy in your own home when you have younger siblings. My little brother is constantly making noise and disrupting my privacy.
Kaleigh Cragan
9/18/2012 11:41:45 am
Having a private life is important to me, as I'm sure it is to all of my classmates. Being one of three kids though, I've noticed there is always someone around to see what you're doing or just hanging around. But the definition of privacy to me could be catoragized into many different scenarios. For example; a journal writing in a private diary or a series of text messages sent between two people would have to be contained privately. Yes, I have been able to live a pretty private life so far. But I do believe technology has a big part in 'invading' someone's life. For example: Facebook. Everyone puts everything on facebook, or used to. With confusing settings controls, people you don't even know can easily look up your profile and pictures, etc. There was also hackers on the interent who can find out information about you with a few clicks. I do believe people's privacy is slowly getting taken away more and more because of social networks and media though.
Rob Costigan
9/19/2012 08:20:56 am
Sites such as Twitter and Facebook seem to be the real problem these past few years as far as privacy control. And you're absolutely right; everyone puts everything on Facebook simply looking for feedback, positive or negative. They want to see how people comment and which people are the ones commenting. Excellent points Kaleigh :D
Trevor H
9/19/2012 12:26:30 pm
I definitely agree with the whole "social media is ruining privacy" thing. If our government wanted to become a Party-esque entity, they wouldn't have to do much work. We, as a society, already willingly put all of our information online. I don't think we could make it any easier for anyone to find out anything about anyone.
Alex Mardis
9/20/2012 01:03:35 pm
I agree with Kaleigh in saying that technology is now invading peoples' lives. At first it seemed cool that you could post a status on your phone and your friends could see where you were. But when you think about it, if that is possible what else is? I believe the most invasive company is Google. It has gotten to the point where if you even look something up, you will start receiving emails based on your searches. If Google even makes it a point to track every single search, they are invading our privacy.
Dan k
9/18/2012 05:00:06 pm
Privacy is given to those who seek it. People want a space where they can express their thoughts, feelings, etc.. Personally I express my thoughts when I'm around friends, teachers of all types, and my family. I continuously shape my thoughts and mindset with the influence of others intellectual thoughts.
Mrs. Elbakry
9/19/2012 08:48:59 am
Wow! Excellent response, Dan. Where is this voice in class? The part where you mentioned that this invasion of privacy is to hold people to a higher standard is absolutely on the mark! For the majority of us, that is true. Unfortunately, it is the few out there that are not carrying themselves as appropriately as they should that ruins it for the rest of us.
Katheryn Byrnes
9/20/2012 01:14:50 pm
Dan I agree if you want privacy you have to seek it out.
Bridget Borowy
9/20/2012 02:13:01 pm
I definitely agree that "privacy is given to those who seek it". Its absolutely true in terms of the internet. We all know that social networking allows everyone to see what we post. But its simple, if you don't want people seeing it, then don't post it! The government can't find something that you never shared, and neither can any hackers or unfriendly people!
Amber Murray
9/19/2012 02:22:56 am
I've realized that privacy is very important and definitely a privilege, like Danielle said. I have little privacy that I take for granted, this became clear to me over the past two weeks. I have been living with a foreign exchange student who has been with me 24/7. As much as I enjoy having the Spain students here, I constantly feel that I am never alone. In school the teachers know everything and between the cameras in the school and people everywhere there is no privacy. Once I get home it’s the same way. When I think I’m by myself there is always someone barging in my room, or using my stuff. When it’s just me home, I still feel like there is no privacy. The technology that exists is outrageous. My phone tracks where I go. If I’m ever lost it can tell me my location within seconds. Even though it’s helpful, it seems like someone is with you all the time. Technology is just going to become more and more advanced and I think that soon it’s going to be very hard to have any privacy.
Chris Faber
9/19/2012 12:12:36 pm
I can definitely agree that technology is becoming more advanced and sooner or later, privacy may be a thing of the past.
Chris Faber
9/19/2012 12:10:55 pm
Privacy is a very touchy subject. I believe that privacy is important to everyone whether they can admit it or not. No one enjoys other people knowing every little bit of your life. I for one, love having my own privacy. When I get time alone, whether it may be because my parents are out or not around, I feel as though I'm in my own personal world. I can sit back and relax without having a feeling that someone is invading my privacy.
Kaitlyn Carey
9/20/2012 01:01:29 pm
I agree that people's views on privacy have changed, especially people our age who have grown up with this technology. Currently, I think it isn't being used in a harmful way, but knowing how people have become so used to always being watched could become dangerous.
Trevor H
9/19/2012 12:22:15 pm
Privacy is important to me, but I understand that it is a privilege. I think that technology and, more specifically, social media has obliterated any sense of privacy. The random collections of thought people once kept to a journal, are now posted online for the whole world to see. Better yet, these posts can never truly be deleted. Essentially, people are voluntarily giving up their privacy, which is one of the reasons I haven't truly bought into the whole Facebook and Twitter thing. For that reason, I am proud to say that I do, in fact, live a relatively private life. I don't willingly give up my information for the whole world to see.
Meredith
9/20/2012 09:55:49 am
Haha Trevor! That's such a good point, I didn't even think about that. We are all using the internet to post these comments. Whatever we say cannot be completely deleted.
Dan Mott
9/19/2012 12:37:59 pm
Privacy is important to me and gives me a personal "bubble" to do my own thing. At the same time, people that put things out there for everyone to see or hear have every right for their privacy to be invaded. Privacy is needed, to keep my mind straight and for friends and family to stay out while I have my own time. Privacy is great and all, but unless there is something extraoridnarily important or sensitive, I can care less what people know about me. When I say extra important stuff, I mean like a family or self illness, death in the family, or issues at the doctor. That is stuff that should be left alone. As far as everything else goes, its all fair game. People value their privacy way too much and need to learn that whether they like it or not, there is a way to find out everything. Quite frankly, now a days everyone is peering in on stranger's converstaions or even best friends on ther friends. If you're doing that to me, don't expect me to give you any privacy. I fell it is my right to know what I want about a person at my leisure, with the limits as I mentioned before. We live in America, the land of the free. No person, whether American or not, can have their comfort level of privacy no matter how hard they try. For example, celebrities try and keep their privacy and all those shannanigans, but when they do something courageous or noteworthy, all the cameras have to be on them. When in a fact an average citizen does that every day. Just because they have money doesn't mean their privacy should be like a light switch, when the blue collar Americans are always having their privacy invaded. No celebrity can ask for a private life, they chose that lifestyle. Me, myself, and I can't live a private life. Every day questions, tweets, messages, emails are all invading my privacy. My e-mail address, home address, phone number amongst other things are sent to colleges and organizations for example, and now I haven't even met me, but they know more about me and that I have a dog more than I even know the color of their hair. ITS RIDICULOUS! Big Brother, as originated in 1984, it happens, its real life, and I don't see a problem with it. Especially after 9/11, government tightnened the nations secuirty, and I agee 100% with what they did. I fully believe that any computer, TV, or electronic device, the government can see or hear you at any time they want. They do this to protect American citizens. In actuality, I can care less if the government is watching me. What ever I am saying, doing, or writing I have a valid and precise reason for doing so. Anything that is out there in the world, for example, on twitter or facebook, yes, I am not proud of some of it, but I write it and I can go through every message, tweet, and post and put a justification behind it. If the governemnt really wants to watch my eat breakfast, do homework, and listen to my phone calls, go ahead, because I have nothing to hide. Technology has undoubtedly ruined society and the average day American. Not only does "Big Brother" see everything you post or tweet or text, but so do your friends, family, and co-workers. In addition, Americans are addicted to technology. I can gurantee you can go into an elementary school and find atleast a quarter of the kids have some type of either music device, phone, or handheld videogame system. At that age, all they need is pens, pencils, adn crayons; not a phone for goodness sakes! Not to mention the fact that people have PS3 and XBOX and communicate on a global scale revelaing more private ifnformation. Nobody goes outside and enjoys life anymore. For instance when hurricane Irene hit and snow storm Alfred, people lot their minds and were in pure panic. They had no idea what do without electricty and what a shame it would be if they would just put their freaking phone down for a secod and enjoy life. In addition, then there are those parents that are CEO's or very busy. You are NEVER to busy for family. If your job takes over your life so much that you don't want to spend time with your family and want to be at work, you shoudl leave that job. Or the parents or kids who have their phone out at the dinner table. That is straight up disrespectful. Put the dang technology away and enjoy a nice meal with your family for once. Their is a fine line between a workaholic and an absentee parent. Our private lives that we knew of only a few years ago has proliferated in to a downwards spiral of sorrow. Privacy is what you make of it. I personally have nothing to hide and am wide open to people picking through my stuff. Just know that if you hit a touchy subject I'll rightfully defend myself. If you are one who thinks if a post will be bad or not each time before you make a post, delete your facebook, delete your twitter and go crawl up into a dark hole and live out your fantasy tale. Honestly, I really want to see what society would be like if phones, internet, and electricity were taken away for a month, or two.
Jackie Ortiz
9/20/2012 01:24:59 pm
I'm just impressed with the length of this response! You go Dan Boy!!!
Jessica Fedak
9/19/2012 01:05:37 pm
My privacy is extremely important to me. For me, my bedroom is my private get-away. It is where I go to focus on my school work, to sleep, and just to be alone and think. I am able to live a relatively private life. My family does not bother me if I am in my bedroom and my parents trust me enough not to spy on my every move. Technology has changed the worlds’ idea of privacy. You can make your Twitter and Facebook “private” so only certain people can view your profile. But in reality, it is not private. If it is out on the internet anyone can find it. Once you put something out on the internet it is there forever, even if you “delete” it. Most people deserve their privacy in their everyday life and online. But if someone is a threat to others wellbeing, they deserve to lose the privilege of privacy.
Christina Martinelli
9/19/2012 01:36:38 pm
Privacy is important to me. In today's society there is minimal privacy. The government can tap into all phone calls and access anything online that we post. That however does not bother me because I know it is only to keep me safe. What bothers me is the fact that colleges search you on twitter, facebook, and other social medias. Some people say "if you have nothing to hide whats the big deal". It is only a big deal because I feel like my social media pages are for my friends and family. I put it on private so that other people can not see my personal information. Although none of it would prevent me from getting accepted into that college it just bothers me that they are looking through my page to find something bad. I do not think i live a private life however I have become so used to so many things being published that i have slightly altered the things I do and say online.
Mrs. E
9/20/2012 12:47:54 pm
I enjoyed your opinion about colleges checking out "private" Facebook pages looking for something negative to "catch" you with. It almost makes you feel guilty when you know, in reality, you have nothing to worry about.
Katie Mitchell
9/19/2012 01:51:10 pm
Nowadays nothing is private anymore. We live in a world that is controlled by social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, which contain personal information anybody can see. Although it is your own decision to post that information out there, people think just because its on "private" nobody can see it, which is false. Even if your page is on "private" there are ways to get around it. Like they say, be careful what you post on the internet, because once its there its there forever. Privacy is important to me, but today it is almost impossible to get completely away from everything and live a private life. You can live a private life locked up in your room all day but as soon as you send a text or a tweet you are giving up your own privacy. Technology is one of the main factors in this and is fastly upgrading. Now we have tracking devices in our cell phones and cameras everywhere, watching our every move. Who knows what life and technology will be like in years to come. 9/19/2012 02:31:24 pm
Privacy is extremely important to me. I think it's safe to say that anyone who lives with siblings, especially younger ones, know that privacy is certainly necessary. Besides family being all up in my business, I've lived a generally private life, and I'm so grateful for that. I would love to live in complete privacy, but that's pretty impossible nowadays. Like everyone else has mentioned before, the Internet plays a huge role in disregarding privacy. For example, applying to colleges I've realized how much they can see. I started applying a little bit per school, and in the same day, 2 colleges called me for the same reason: why I never finished my application. There was clearly a reason I didn't finish them, and I didn't think it was a huge deal. I just think it's crazy how at a click of a button, you can pull up anyone's life story. Time has really changed everything.
Andrew lynch
9/19/2012 02:50:09 pm
I feel that privacy is extremely important to me, but i also feel that it is something that no one fully possesses. We live in a world where everything is done though the internet, a place where everyone owns a cell phone, and there are cameras on every street corner. What most people don’t realize is that anything they put on the internet is there permanently. It can never be deleted or erased for good once it is on the web, so what ever it is that you posted, someone with the knowledge and the patience that you never even met before can find it. Also, most cell phones now come with tracking devices so that you can find them if they are lost or stolen. They are even used to locate kids. But how do we know that the government is not using them to track people in there everyday lives. Like others have already said, I feel that everyone deserves freedom, and privacy, but once they do something that may potentially put others in harms way, then they lose that privilege. The problem with this is if the government is not monitoring some one because they have not done something wrong in the past, and then they do kill someone, it is already too late to start monitoring. So it kind of comes down to everyone or no one should be monitored. My bet is they are monitoring everyone. How will I know if the government is monitoring me right know as I am typing this blog? The real question is do you really what to know if you are being watched or not?
Zach Antonio
9/20/2012 08:11:05 am
Privacy. It is hard to achieve in a world where everyone is posting a status on what they are doing, tweeting what they are thinking, and posting a picture in Instagram of what they look like right now. But we all do that on our own. So, in a sense, we are giving up our own privacy. We are putting ourselves out to the world so we can see how many likes our status gets, how many re-tweets, how many...whatever they do on Instagram. We release parts of ourselves that we feel the public would like, and we wait for their approval. Privacy lies in what you don't tell people. The things you conceal. Or just don't brag about, or put into the open. The thoughts that you leave to yourself because you don't trust anyone else enough to share them with. Or you're afraid that if you do share them, the magic will be gone. They won't be your own thoughts anymore, but shared thoughts. It's important to keep a part of yourself away from others, because if you put everything out there, you may find yourself tweaking who you are to match what the world wants. There are times when I just say whatever is on my mind just so people know I am honest with what I believe. But sometimes you have those thoughts that are better off kept to yourself. My privacy exists in my bed, in my head, at the end of the day where I think about anything I like. I think about...well, never mind. It's private.
Mrs. E
9/20/2012 01:05:38 pm
Ha ha! I see what you did there. Great post.
Justin Leone
9/20/2012 08:47:15 am
Privacy is very important to me. Being a twin, privacy is sometimes impossible to find, so when I get a chance to watch T.V. or relax by myself, I grab it. I think that everyone needs some privacy in their lives just to relax, release stress and think about the day.If people were constantly together, it would be very hard to coexist with one another.Everyone needs their space. Now-a-days it's harder to find privacy though because of the constant moniotring from cameras, people, and other techonolgies. It's almost like 1984, instead of telescreens, there are cameras on almost every street corner, building, or room. Although cameras keep a watchful eye and prevent some crime, I still think the amount of survellance we today is a bit much. Big Brother may soon become a reality. Jesse Ventura sure thinks so!
Lauren Barry
9/20/2012 08:48:24 am
Privacy is an important aspect to everyone’s life, period. Even though each person may maintain their private life to a degree, I have never heard of a person who wishes to share every detail of their life with every person they encounter. As many people have already said, privacy is a privilege though; once a person does something deemed as wrong, it serves them right to have that right to privacy taken away. In my life, my privacy changes everywhere I go. In school, my life is very private. I tend to share so little with people because it almost allows a sense of personal security. On the contrary, at home living with a six year old brother, privacy is a hard thing to achieve. With the constant questioning of my motives and everything possible, I am inclined to provide him with an answer that he will decide is fair. Each year becomes more and more private though, as he is learning to respect privacy as well. As for technology playing a role in privacy, I think the extent varies. Social media websites such as Twitter and Facebook are places where some people feel the need to post every single detail of their lives, but if someone wishes to keep their information private, they are not forced to post their deepest thoughts and concerns. In perspective of technology such as security, I feel citizens do have their privacy invaded to an extent, but there is logical reasoning. The government’s reasoning behind security devices such as cameras is to ensure the public’s safety. If the government did not defend the public, there would be more of a danger posed than one of cameras in public places. One of the most significant phrases on the issue of privacy is “if you are doing nothing wrong, what do you have to hide?”
Alyssa Ferreone
9/20/2012 09:39:16 am
I think that privacy is a given right, although it is not seen as one all the time. We are assured the rights of life, liberty, and the persuit of happiness. That being said, if it makes someone happy to live a very private lifestyle, then they should be able to do so without any question. This, in my opinion, is where the controvesy comes up as to whether the government is taking it too far.
Meredith
9/20/2012 09:53:18 am
Privacy is very important in certain aspects of one’s life. For example, when you are in the privacy of your own home. The government should not invade your personal space. However, as soon as you enter the public’s eye you get very little privacy. Which makes complete sense; you are now in public where no privacy is found. I feel as if I live a pretty private life. I also don’t feel as if the government is invading my privacy. I just recently read an article about how the paparazzi took topless photos of Kate Middleton while she was tanning on her private beach. These photos went viral and that is when the line is crossed. One’s privacy should not be invaded for the media’s benefit. Especially if that person, such as Kate Middleton, didn’t know the photos were taken. We are all very lucky that our every move is not published on the cover of US Weekly. But with today’s technology it is very easy for one’s life to turn public…but only if you chose to publicize your life via Twitter and other social networking sites.
Mrs. E
9/20/2012 01:36:59 pm
Meredith, I'm glad you brought up the Kate Middleton situation. It breaks my heart to see that such an intimate and private vacation (their honeymoon, I believe) was invaded with no regard for the sanctity of the situation. Yes they are in the private eye 24/7, but something as sacred as a couple's honeymoon is just plain wrong to spy on, let alone photograph and spread worldwide. I remember how the Royal Family was being very secretive about the couple's plans that no one really knew where they traveled until after they returned to Great Britain. It goes to show you that no one can really hide.
Steve Mahoney
9/20/2012 10:54:13 am
In one word, yes. However, am I that crazy that I always think "Big Brother" is watching me? Nope. Privacy is important, we all have our secrets that we do not want anyone to know. Sometimes the only thing you have is your thoughts. They are yours and no one can take them from you (that is unless the thoughtpol sneak into your room at night and vaporize you.) But there are exceptions. Am I willing to give up some of my personal privacy in order to be better protected by the government? You betcha. I try to live a private life but in this day and age when technology is everywhere, nothing is too private. Every website you visit, every text you send, every post, tweet, etc. is recorded and stored. There are files of everything. The government can use these to help catch crimes before they happen. Now is it strange thinking that the government is keeping tabs on you? Yes and no. They do it to everybody, some more than others, but everybody nonetheless. The bottom line is privacy is important but being safe is more important and be careful what you do because you never know who is watching.
Mrs. Elbakry
9/20/2012 01:47:58 pm
Well said, Steve.
Ally Capes
9/20/2012 02:47:36 pm
Moho, if this were a Facebook post, I'd like it.
Shayne Fitol
9/20/2012 10:55:04 am
I think privacy is important to everyone, even if it may not seem like it sometimes. Who would be willing to let every single person out there know all the intimate details about his/her private life and thoughts? Who would be willing to even let one other person know every single detail about their life and all the thoughts that go through their head? Everyone has secrets. Everyone has something that they are unwilling to tell anyone, even a best friend. So I find the whole concept that social media has killed privacy somewhat untrue. Yes, there are many people out there who post/tweet what they are doing throughout the majority of their day and say many of the thoughts that pop into their head. But that is not necessarily obliterating privacy. The most private, intimate, and important events/thoughts in life are not typically put out there for the world to see, and if they are, a lot of times the crucial details are omitted, for the sake of privacy. I don't know, maybe I, for once, am being idealistic. Maybe I believe all of the stuff I just typed becuase I live a pretty private life. I have never tweeted, and the few things I post on facebook are mostly my anger or frustration with something happening in the world of sports, like the Redskins losing (a fairly normal occurance) or referees blowing a call (also pretty common). So yes, privacy is important to me. And while technology has certainly altered the concept of privacy, it hasn't exactly destroyed it or eliminated it's existance. That, to me, seems a bit farfetched.
Victoria Marino
9/20/2012 12:04:36 pm
Everyone has a different opinion of what they believe privacy is. Some people want complete privacy in their life and with the way our government works today; that is close to impossible to have. Everywhere you look when out in public places such as restaurants, stores, and etc. there are surveillance cameras watching your every move. The government does not trust the people, which is why they always have an eye on everything. In my opinion, people can chose how private they want their life to be to a certain extent. I mean this when it comes to the internet and using technology. Some people want everyone to see everything they are doing on a daily basis. People put their information out to the public by social websites. On most of these websites you can chose what you want to be private so that you can somewhat protect yourself from strangers, and other people reading your information, but I think people forget that the government can track anything you post anywhere on any websites, or computers. That is not very private to me. Privacy is important but people take advantage of it, and forget how important it is. I try to make my life somewhat private and for the most part, it works. I am very open about many things, and enjoy spending time with people, but there are times when I sit in my room, shut the door and enjoy the private time I am given.
Maria Castelot
9/20/2012 12:17:09 pm
To me, privacy is not s privilege, it is a right. As humans, we need privacy in some form or another. However, in this century, it is incredibly hard to have even the smallest amount of it. We are constantly connected to technology and social media sites. Millions of people tweet daily about things such as what they're eating for breakfast to what color socks they're wearing that day. Few people nowadays are not connected to at least one social media site. I don't think that's wrong at all; even I'm guilty of of being connected to a few of them myself. However, i do need some privacy too. I enjoy reading and going outside to play soccer with my siblings and just get away from the constant updates that my peers are posting on social media sites and unwind. People think that they have to be always connected to everyone and everything because they might miss an event that occured or a story that was told. We are too worried about what others are constantly thinking and/or doing and we all need to step back and just think about ourselves and spend sometime alone.
Christina Buswell
9/20/2012 12:41:48 pm
Privacy is obviously something everyone values. I know I love my privacy. There are times when I need to just be by myself and there are things that I want to be kept to myself. However, privacy is without a doubt a privilege. The way the government is run now, I believe is working. We as individuals still have our privacy, where we can think what we want, say what we want, and do what we want. We have the right to own our own homes and have our own personal spaces that are ours and ours alone. And there is a fine line that the government needs to be aware of. What they are doing now (monitoring phone calls and keeping tabs on everyones lives) is not an invasion of privacy in my opinion. It has been proven that these measures are ones that need to be taken to ensure our safety and our nations safety. However, if the government were to start invading our homes without consent or doing something along those lines, that would definitely be an invasion of our privacy. Privacy is extremely important and it is what keeps us all sane. But, when that privacy is being taken advantage of, that's when the government (in my opinion) should without a doubt be able to step in and take control. Technology is a major factor in privacy. Now a days everyone owns a cell phone, relatively everyone owns a computer, and everyone owns a television. We are allowed to utilize these inventions for whatever we want. But, like I mentioned before, once they are taken advantage of, that's when the government needs to use it's power.
Kaitlyn Carey
9/20/2012 12:55:08 pm
Technology makes information on people much easier to find. Everyone has some amount of control of what's online about you, for example what you post on Facebook, Twitter, or other social media sites. However, anyone else can just as easily upload a photo of you, or do something else that you can't delete yourself. Personally, I haven't used Facebook much, I was only allowed to get one when I was 15, and even then my parents didn't want me posting anything personal on it, and that caused me to get quickly bored with it. Although social media is the easiest way to find out personal information about people, it is far from the only one. Between security cameras in schools, stores, and other public places, the government's ability to trace everything someone does online, and the fact that things that are posted online can't be permanently deleted, a lot has likely been recorded about me that I would prefer to keep private. For me, the important factor in this is how that information is used. Most of what I mentioned wouldn't likely be checked unless there was a reason for suspicion. Privacy is important to me, but I understand that having records of internet use and security cameras can also used to catch people who committed crimes, or may be planning acts of terrorism. Technology itself hasn't taken away people's privacy, however a lot of technology that exists could be used for that purpose.
Alex Mardis
9/20/2012 12:56:14 pm
Privacy plays a very important role in my life. Like Rob, I am also an only child so i have become very used to privacy. As soon as I get home from school, I throw my phone across the room and wont even look at it until around 6. I think it is important not to be constantly surrounded by people all the time. You spend all day in school trying to conform to those around you, and at the end of the day you need time to yourself. And since the advancements in technology, its rare that you can truly be alone. Between your phone ringing with questions about school, or twitter being filled with drama between "friends", its always something. I remember one of the most peaceful nights of summer was when i went camping with my friends and not one of our phones had service. It was nice knowing that you cant be bothered by ANYTHING. Even if it was important.
Jackie Ortiz
9/20/2012 01:23:59 pm
Privacy is very important to me. I think it is mostly due to the fact that my personality, is one that I don't mind being alone and I don't like spreading my business all all over. The internet has allowed more people to be involved but also involved in perseonal matters such as relationships. It isn't right, and is the reason why so many relationships fail. Privacy is a necessity. Although, it isn't the easiest thing for me to have because my family is one that is up in your face, always around, and in your business, but I make a point of it daily. I enjoy my privacy and have the ability to make sure I have it. The internet trys to take that away but mindful people dont let it. I would say I'm mindful of my privacy.
Jeremiah Burr
9/20/2012 01:45:49 pm
I believe that privacy is important and that everyone has a right to privacy. You should be able to keep something a secret from others or be able to get away from everything and not have people prying into your world. I live a private life. With social media people have started giving up their private lives to share their, often useless, stories with anyone who will listen. Because there is social media does not mean that you have no privacy, you don't have to put anything on the internet that you do not want to. if you want to keep something private then i suggest not blabbing it to the world
Bridget Borowy
9/20/2012 02:05:15 pm
I believe that privacy is important to me. I would aslo say that I am able to live a relatively private life. Of course sites that I am involved with such as Facebook, Twitter, etc., can alter my privacy, but chances are if I put something on there, I don't care if other people see it. I'm usually one to keep my private thoughts to myself. which also allows me to keep my privacy. Technology, such as the sites I mentioned, can have affects on my privacy. I use my twitter often, and I don't mind if my friends see what I post. However, I do believe that when it comes to professional matters such as colleges or business, who may tap into your personal things online, my privacy is a little invaded. I understand that social networks are for anyone to see, but I don't like the idea of being judged off of what they find. So I do find my privacy very important, and I recognize that technology has changed some of my privacy privileges. Technology has also invaded privacy with things such as cameras. However, I don't really mind if I'm being watched when in a city or in a store. It's not just me, but every one else is being watched too. I also don't have anything to hide, so I personally don't find that an invasion of my privacy. Ultimately, I believe I am able to live a relatively private life.
kelly lipka
9/20/2012 02:18:00 pm
Privacy is very important to me. I strongly believe that today it is very hard to trust anybody, therefore im not the most open person. i also think, as most others might, that everyone has something that they dont want others to know. After starting to read the book 984 I feel that everyones privacy is invaded everyday, without even knowing it. Technology is a huge part of society now and without a doubt the government has taken advantage of peoples privacy. Something as simple as a phone call can now be recorded by the government and possibly be used against you.
Richard Katrenya
9/20/2012 02:35:40 pm
Privacy is a huge part of mine, and everyone I know, lives; after all, who has a secret or two that we aren't proud of? Because all of us practically grew up with some kind of privacy, I can imagine people sort of taking it for granted. I can guarantee you that if overnight we got dropped in a world similar to Winston's, it would be a major shock to all of us that we all wouldn't be able to handle.
Ally Capes
9/20/2012 03:03:21 pm
The first point I'd like to make is that, along with Rob and Alex and every other only child, I am one as well. I've never had a problem with privacy in the comfort of my own home, but with that said, things are a little different for me when it comes to my family as a whole. Anyone else with a huge family probably knows that everyone wants to know everything- its just like a high school: my family gossips to no end. So because of that, I've learned to keep things pretty much as private as possible. I do appreciate people who respect my privacy very much. One of my biggest pet peeves (and I know tons of you can relate) is when people take my phone without asking. Sure, there's nothing to hide, but it's just the fact that you didn't ask and that you invaded my privacy that's annoying. Especially now with these crazy phones that can do basically everything, someone gets ahold of your phone and pretty much has access to all of your personal accounts. It's just crazy to me to think about all a person can control with just having your iPhone in their possession. I also mentioned in my comment to Kyle about using my social networking sites to my advantage. I'm proud of what I post on Facebook and twitter and I think everyone should feel that way. Colleges and future employers should be able to view your stuff without you feeling nervous. Because in reality in this day and age, it's our Facebook pages that can make or break a school's decision to accept us or not.
Steve Hatzikostas
9/25/2012 02:49:09 pm
Yes i think privacy is very important. but we as humans have adapted to the new technology in ways that we no longer even have our own privacy. everything we do is being monitored and controlled. we send texts and talk on the phone thinking everything okay but if we say one thing that is a potential threat we can be reported without even knowing someone knew what you were saying. we have lost almost all of our privacy. Comments are closed.
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English 12 HonorsRespond to the question AND comment on another classmate's response in at least 10 sentences. You can certainly disagree, but BE RESPECTFUL of the opinions/feelings of your classmates. Archives
June 2013
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