We're all pretty well-versed on the future legal ramifications of storing every byte of our lives somewhere. That's logical and straightforward. But exploring the effect on the human psyche and the societal repercussions of this growing surveillance state has gotten nowhere near enough attention. Some choice snippets: So, Hubski, you're reclining on a couch in my office while I cradle a clipboard in my arms. I want to know: "How does that make you feel?".The situation reminded me that the ferreting-out of secrets is merely one purpose of surveillance; it also disciplines, inhibits, robbing interactions of spontaneity and turning them into self-conscious performances.
Loss of privacy seemed like a tiny issue, suddenly, compared with the greater loss the [Utah Data Center] presaged: loss of existential stature.
There seemed to be no rational response to the feelings of powerlessness stirred by the cybernetic panopticon; the choice was either to ignore it or go crazy, at least to some degree.
Once you know how very little you know about those who wish to know everything about you, daily experience starts to lose its innocence and little things begin to feel like the tentacles of big things.
...I wondered whether a generation that found the concept of privacy archaic might be undergoing a great mutation, surrendering the interior psychic realms whose sanctity can no longer be assured.
There are so many ghosts in our machines—their locations so hidden, their methods so ingenious, their motives so inscrutable—that not to feel haunted is not to be awake.
I found that to be the most interesting passages. Personally, it makes me feel conflicted about control. I don't, and in many cases can't, have all the control that I need to stop others from doing unjustice to me. If some organization wanted to ruin my life they totally could with the means available in this connected world. I don't think it's ever been easier.
It's almost as if the rules were put in place to serve as grounds for future blackmailing of the masses, but I'm not going to tell you I actually believe that. After badging this post earlier today, during a colloquium lecture introduction, the speaker/guest looked out at a video camera mounted on a tripod and said, "Oh no, you're not recording this, are you?". It was just a guy with an amateur setup, most likely associated with the university, and he says, "Yeah... do you mind?", to which the speaker responds, "Well, it's going to change the content and tone of the presentation, but if you insist...", and the camera kept on rolling with nary another word said about it. The speaker clearly had a great sense of humor, and I found myself wondering throughout the lecture if I was missing any laughs as a result of the filming. So I think yes, there is a pervasive fear of digital immortality. Modest Mouse has this song with the lyrics "We have one chance to get everything right...", which (I believe) is more or less the way we've structured American society. Framing that in combination with an ability to record relatively boundless data forever is terrifying, yeah. Personally, I do feel some paranoia and despair that I can't find good reason to reject as invalid. There's a very delicate balance of trying to be an unassuming nobody not worth attention and attempting to infiltrate the ranks of the elite class, which is definitely a hobby of mine."377 counts of jaywalking, 1,298 instances of speeding, 3.275 ounces of known marijuana consumption..."