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| Three surveillance cameras on the corner of a building (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
You are being monitored. Cameras are everywhere. Nearly everything we do is being tracked by someone somewhere. No matter to what extent you might try to keep your anonymity, forget it--as long as you function in a normal societal sense, you can be found and figured out.
This was once the science fiction fantasy of dystopian novels such as George Orwell's 1984, but now that iconic year has passed and the fantasy has become an absolute reality. There are surveillance cameras on the streets, in buildings we frequent, and even in satellites circling the globe. Eyes are watching you from everywhere. In the future we can expect that our televisions will monitor us in order to customize commercials and programming. The technology is already here--this is already being done on your computer if you haven't noticed yet.
You may not notice who is watching you, but I assure you that you are being monitored. Computers and the internet have made spying easy. Yes, spying. Surreptitious observation is not just the realm of secret agents checking on foreign governments. We are all under the watchful eyes of someone who wants to know what we are up to.
Careful with those income tax returns lest you be flagged by the IRS. They have monster computers that can pick up on unusual reporting. Watch your driving because now automated systems can catch you even if no cops are around. Make sure you're doing what you're supposed to at your job because some companies now have ways of picking up on employee pilfering and mismanagement of work time. More than one babysitter has been caught behaving inappropriately by a hidden nanny cam.
Criminals are now regularly caught in the act by security cameras. Some criminals have even been nailed due to their own stupidity of posting their acts on Facebook or YouTube. If you think others aren't paying that much attention then think again. There are prying eyes everywhere and many are looking right at you.
Governments and corporations aren't the only ones with their eyes on us. Malicious and even sometimes well-meaning neighbors have long been a source of information that can create woes for people doing things which others may not approve. Children turn in parents and parents turn in children. Toeing the party line is no longer just the mantra of communist philosophy. These days say something that upsets someone else and you can be branded as a hater or even worse. In the end you might find yourself facing uncomfortable situations that can lead to job loss or even legal troubles.
Should we feel paranoid? Cautious maybe, but as long as we are keeping a low profile there is probably little reason to worry. We are in a time when the least little word or action has the potential of setting off a maelstrom of woes from which there is sometimes little or no chance of saving your name and reputation.
Recently someone asked me if I would say such and such on my blog. The answer is no. Not at this time at least. There are some things that I'm not going to touch here because honestly I'm a bit afraid to do so. I'm not afraid because of anything I believe, but because of the ways things can be misconstrued, the refusal of those in disagreement to listen to any of the logic that I might present, and the unwillingness to engage in reasonable discussion about issues. Inciting anger against me is not my mission on this blog nor is it my mission in life. Not yet.
There are plenty of things in this world for me to get angry about without feeding the ravenous wolves of irrational thinking in order to create an even more maddening frenzy of argument, distrust, and hatred. There are things I'd like to bring up, but is it worth becoming a target of attack? On the other hand would I never want to express any disagreement and thereby never have any discussion even though others might be wrong? Or maybe I would be wrong and others could help me see the error of my ways. Is conflict worth the risk to me in my current situation?
It's an uncomfortable world at times. Our society balances on tenuous threads of uncertainty so we often keep still and stay quiet so we don't fall into a chaotic void of contention and discord. And in the mean time, are we learning any actual truth? Or do we merely appease the masses by turning from the truth in our attempt to remain within a zone where we can feel relatively comfortable in ignorant complacency?
You can run. You can try to hide. But you can never completely escape the eyes that are upon you. We have to be careful because waiting ears are listening for us to slip up so they can point derisive fingers of accusation to keep the negative attention focused on anyone but them. It's a scary world. Someone is watching us and we might not even realize it most of the time. It's many eyes in fact. Someone is watching you.
This is a stand alone post that expresses some serious thoughts that I've not just been thinking recently, but that I've also had concerns about for some time. I'm mostly pondering, tossing out ideas for you to consider as well. However there is also another motivation in regard to my topic. This post topic is a hint to my song choice for my Battle of the Bands post that will appear this Thursday January 15th. The song is not a song by the Alan Parsons Project so you can discount that one. This next Battle will be a rather amazing one with a classic song that's been recorded numerous times in many styles by a wide range of artists. I would be surprised if you'd never heard this song performed by someone over the years. Be sure to join me here on Thursday for the Battle, but I'll also be here on Wednesday with another clue if no one guesses the song from today's clue.
When have you had a surprise encounter with having been "spied on"? Do you think the surveillance of the general public is an issue for concern? Do you have a guess of the song choice for my next Battle of the Bands post?
I'm pretty sick of the nonstop surveillance too. It's very invasive. I remember when Russell & I were still separated by 3200 miles before I moved back, and his ex g/f was raging pissed that he picked me over her. He told me to watch what I said online till I got back b/c it could come back to haunt me. So I did a blog post that was scheduled to publish in April....kind of 'a big reveal', talking about this amazing love story that had lead me to decide to leave my husband and life on the west coast to move back east. It was a damn good post too. Well, I never in a million years thought that woman would find my blog. We weren't FB friends or anything but she must've googled my name and the blog came up. She read that post and OMG the shit hit the fan. I got messages from her and her psycho friend on FB, telling me that he was still involved w/ her and didn't really love me and was shining me on, that he was planning to move to FL to be w/ her....meanwhile his phone was blowing up w/ texts and calls from her screaming at him for following through with me and not her. She nearly broke us up. Russell was like, 'I told you to be careful'. I had to take my blog private for 3 months till I got back here. And now that a lot of my FB friends read my blog, I shy away from really controversial posts or ones discussing my life in depth. Reminds me of that Rockwell song from the 80s, 'I always feel like somebody's watchin me, and I get no privacy...'
ReplyDeleteGood example of how our internet activity no matter how innocent we may think it may seem can cause us to be the focus of attacks from people who previously never crossed our minds. We are all on different planes of thinking that when put out in the open may incite those who think differently. Excellent comment that exemplifies part of what I'm talking about.
DeleteMy song pick is not the song to which you allude.
Lee
Well, if you don't break the law, you have nuttin' to worry about.
ReplyDeleteNow let's talk about cops shooting dogs all over the United States, and cops harassing innocent civilians and breaking into homes, terrorizing people, only to find they've got the wrong house. Let's talk about cops killing unarmed people and facing no fall-out from it. Yes, let's talk about cops because I love them so.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
This is a sad situation which does sometimes occur and I guess it can probably be attributed to the "someone's watching us" theory. The circumstances of the types of situations you describe are so widely varied that I couldn't address them all as one mixed bag. These types of things are horrible when they happen, but in defense of the police agencies bad things happen to them as well. Let's face it, there are a lot of bad people on both sides and sometimes the folks in the middle are caught in a crossfire. Mistakes get made and false reporting happens. If some bad guys break into your house or threaten you, what are going to do--call other bad guys to help you? I'm not sure that a society without police would necessarily be a great solution to keeping order and there are some off-the-handle loonies that I wouldn't want making decisions regarding order.
DeleteIt's usually true that if you're tending your own affairs and not doing outrageously bad things you can avoid trouble with the law. It also helps if you have a lot of money and influence, but that's a new topic.
Lee
>>... If some bad guys break into your house or threaten you, what are going to do--call other bad guys to help you?
DeleteNo, I'm not going to call other bad guys. Nor am I going to call some meat-faced, steroid-laden thug in blue to help me.
These guys aren't going to threaten me because they will be dead before they get a chance to open their mouths. I'm simply going to shoot them and THEN call the cops to come take the bodies out of my house.
>>... I'm not sure that a society without police would necessarily be a great solution to keeping order
There are better ways than what we have today, which is just goons creating a police state on behalf of Uncle Scam.
If I were the benevolent dictator, the FIRST thing I'd do is decree that NO former military personnel are allowed to be cops. That's the FIRST thing I'd do, because soldiers becoming cops is one of the very biggest problems today. They have no people skills at all; all they know how to do is break things and kill people (and family dogs - Google it!) - which, incidentally, is exactly what they enjoy doing.
HOW DANGEROUS IS IT TO BE A COP?
>>... It's usually true that if you're tending your own affairs and not doing outrageously bad things you can avoid trouble with the law.
That is simply not true anymore.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
We've walked down this road before, you and I. Sometimes when I think I've gone over the top in a post you can come along and out over-the-top me. Part of what you say contains some truth, but I'm not convinced that you have the definitive story. As always though you have a good story and the debate could conceivably go on long and strong. I'll just say that I agree in part and disagree on another hand and I don't think there's much more that I can add.
DeleteThe real matter of import is: Can you guess the song?
Lee
Outside of speeding, I have nothing to hide.
ReplyDeleteThey are also tracking us - anyone with a cell phone can be tracked.
No idea on the song choice.
And there are things I won't say either.
In most cases bloggers who keep quiet about issues that can incite negative backlash are making marketing decisions. We don't want to diminish any future potential in what we are doing or who we are unless our issues define those aspects of our brand. We are also a bit namby-pamby in a way in regard to standing for anything, but so be it if that's what our marketing decisions entail.
DeleteWhen it comes down to the wire of defending one's beliefs then that's when we are truly tested.
Lee
The days of anonymity is over. The days of secrets--bye bye. As this world unfolds, I'm always reminded of 1984 (the book) and how when I first read it, I thought, how awful to be watched. We are watched. The REALLY bad part of that is that I look horrible on camera. :)
ReplyDeleteMug shots are rarely flattering. The candid camera can show us in our worst light.
DeleteLee
Makes me feel as if I'm living in the 30's in Nazi Germany.
ReplyDeleteIn the future we might be under similar circumstances except that the ability to spy on private people will be far more advanced. And those spying won't have to rely on people to snitch on us to catch our indiscretions against the governments (or corporations, etc).
DeleteLee
I guess the only thing I have to add here is that I've recently began dating someone and both of our families have looked each other up on Facebook and Googled each other. I've Googled my name, and so much information about me pops up. Nothing bad, but there is just a lot available there for people to know about me that should be private.
ReplyDeleteSo true and something we need to be aware of in every aspect of our life. Now it is routine for employers to gather info about job applicants on the internet. We are not safe from prying eyes and it's better not to give others a reason to out us if we have things we want to keep private.
DeleteLee
I always figure I am way too boring to watch... Why would anybody spend their day in the microdetails of my life. Even I usually prefer to escape it into some fiction...
ReplyDeleteI think it not so much people watching us as it is indiscriminate computers and surveillance systems waiting to flag anomalous behavior. We're boring until that one small moment when we screw up---then watch out!
DeleteLee
I don't like to think about who's watching me. It's creepy. We think we have privacy, but we really don't.
ReplyDeleteA cabin in the wilderness or some situations of homelessness might afford an element of anonymity, but not really. Someone can find us eventually if they want to badly enough.
DeleteLee
You're absolutely right, Lee. It is a weird and scary time. But it goes two ways -- how many people have private security cameras, look up info on others online, and are quick to whip out their phones to record EVERYTHING? We are all guilty of having prying eyes these days.
ReplyDeleteAnd for every person who's concerned about being seen, there are 100 doing all they can to scream, "Lookit ME!!!" all over the Internet.
Finally -- I don't say everything I think on my blog -- it's not that sort of forum. but then, I don't say everything I think in most conversations, either. The art of tact is vanishing much too quickly and I don't want to help accelerate it's demise.
Wonderful, thought-provoking post, Lee!
We have ways of looking up so many things that are a matter of public record and now so many of us go out of our way to make virtually every aspect of our lives public.
DeleteI'm getting to the point that I'm careful about what I even say in conversations to anyone--even family and friends. Say the wrong thing and it can remain on certain memory records to be used against me when someone is upset with me. I've had it happen on more than one occasion.
Lee
Oh -- and I forgot to guess the song:
Delete"Every Breath You Take" by (appropriately enough, given your discussion with StevieMac) the Police
No, I don't know that I'd call that Sting song a true classic, at least not in the sense of the song I've chosen. My song choice this time is one that's been recorded many many times. Good reasoning though.
DeleteLee
Dang it! I thought I had it. :)
DeleteWell there's always the classic 1984 "Somebody's Watching Me" by one-hit wonder Rockwell (with cameo vocals by Michael Jackson).
But I'm guessing that's probably not it, either...
"Someone to Watch Over Me" by George Gershwin?
Oooh--The Gershwin choice is excellent. Not it, but one worth considering in future battles. I've already eliminated the Rockwell guess in an earlier guess, but that one jumps out almost as much as "Eye in the Sky".
DeleteLee
I know I'm being watched in my own house. We have two security cameras and my husband can check them from work anytime. I should go streaking through the house once and give him a show.
ReplyDeleteSomebody can hack into your security for their own entertainment or to act nefariously against you in some unexpected time. Security can be a safeguard, but in the wrong hands it can be a tool to cause us harm. Be careful about that show--it might end up on the internet someday!
DeleteLee
I definitely think it is an issue of concern, but I am not paranoid about it. I look in amazement when the ads in my sidebar at gmail, change to an appropriate ad based on what I write in my email. I think I would be far more concerned if I were young and my life was spread out before me. That thought scares me.
ReplyDeleteWe are becoming like the rabbits here in our canyon, prey animals, spied upon by everyone from the government to computer hackers.
Everybody wants either a hand in our pockets, a nose in our business, or a probe in our brain. None of us really have any privacy so we need to live with that awareness.
DeleteLee
Your post brings up some very interesting points.
ReplyDeleteThe one thing that made me laugh, though it shouldn't have, was the prevailing idea that "the government was out to get everyone." It didn't make me laugh because I thought is was wrong. On the contrary. It made me laugh because while some of the same people shouted these words, in a whisper, they were handing off all their information and daily routines in posts, selfies and updates on Facebook, Instagram and Tumblr. The laughter was a result of the only way I could respond to the dichotomy of the words and actions. It was laugh or cry. Laughter left me will fewer side effects like the puffy swollen eyes crying can cause.
Like you, I've no desire to get overly paranoid of what is going on. Just aware. 1984 has been around for a long time, for our safety, of course. It's a matter of living and let live and keeping an open mind that helps to keep the paranoia to a minimum.
As for the song, I've no idea lol!
It's better to be somewhat aware than to be completely surprised due to our own ignorance.
DeleteLee
The truth is typically scarier than anything fiction writers can imagine.
ReplyDeleteLee
My hubby pointed out the other day that smart phones are one way we are watched. We were traveling and using the GPS on his phone. He wasn't wrong, by accessing the GPS on any phone, you can find where a person is. We really are watched and it's up to us to decide if the conveniences we get from that are worth losing that privacy.
ReplyDeleteSo true about the GPS and phones. I've read more than one story where a missing person (usually their body) has been found due to signals that were received from their phones or pinpointing locations where the person had been. There are good and bad aspects to the who surveillance issue.
DeleteLee
I don't know what to think about that line between public safety and individual privacy. Because I don't intend on doing any criminal activity, I'm not concerned about the cameras every where but I still don't like my rights being infringed upon.
ReplyDeleteStill there are those stories of mistaken identities, being in the wrong place at the wrong time, or inadvertently doing something you shouldn't have and then getting nabbed even though there was no criminal attempt on your behalf. We just never know who will misconstrue what we've said or done.
DeleteLee
It is not such a bad idea to have surveillance cameras in public places. It tells every one what was what - - - just in case.
ReplyDeleteI have no doubt that there are advantages to surveillance. Crimes have been solved or stopped on the basis of those cameras. Still the camera eye doesn't always tell the full story and people have been trapped my misinterpretations of those monitoring the camera. There is good and bad to just about everything.
DeleteLee
Hi Lee - lots of interesting thoughts here - and thankfully I don't have kids so have always been reticent of FB etc ... and have been guarded in what I write ... However I just don't worry too much and do what I can to check out of the systems ... somethings I can't check out of ... such as the cameras ... As you mention we need to be aware and to be careful at times .. cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteThere's not much we can do about a lot of the surveillance around us and it's best not to get overly paranoid about it.
DeleteLee
I'm quite guarded in expressing my personal opinions about politics, religion, even current events. I'm here to exchange ideas with writers and readers, to share my books (which have a lot of personal opinion embedded) and enjoy a few laughs whenever possible.
ReplyDeleteOrwell was just a tad off in his prediction and I have a lot to say about predictions of that kind. One day I'm going write it on my blog. Stay tuned.
The totalitarianism that Orwell predicted did not turn out as quite as extreme, but the concepts have come to fruition. The technology is afoot but will the people allow total government control? Will we have a choice if the time does come?
DeleteLee
This is so TRUE!!! The world of 1984 has become a reality we are all apparently comfortable with. One day it may just blow up in our faces.
ReplyDeleteI think maybe it has already blown up in our faces numerous times and most people have been too brain dead to notice and those who do notice are soon drowned out by the yammering of everyone else who notices something though they are not sure what.
DeleteLee
I'm pretty boring. If people want to watch me closely, they'll fall asleep fast.
ReplyDeleteYou touched on something before, Lee, about shooting yourself in the foot when you're a writer trying to make it. It isn't just controversial material, but even standing up for yourself or your work that can backfire. Writers are told repeatedly not to engage with negativity.
On the slim plus side, maybe the poor NSA agent assigned to reading my blog posts becomes a fan,,,
Hmmm...."the poor NSA agent"? I think you might have the makings of a quirky story there.
DeleteLee
It's really a tough call. I see the good and bad. I dunno. I also dunno the song, but I'm super curious now.
ReplyDeleteThere's always the good and bad and the question is which outweighs the other or do they cancel each other out.
DeleteLee
I was on some website the other day and a little box popped up saying something about the website wanting to know my location. I had to select "allow" or "deny." Deny, of course! I'm careful about where I go online or what I say online but just as you say, we're being watched.
ReplyDeleteI'm almost surprised when I see those boxes as the internet seems to always somehow know where I am anyway. Not sure what those pop-up requests are all about. They're up to something. I always just exit out of those requests.
DeleteLee
My post on Wednesday is taking the exact opposite stance. We should all be saying those things that offend others and not holding back. So, rather than a lengthy comment, now, you'll just have to come read my post on Wednesday.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a continuation of your #IWSG post which was excellent. I think a lot depends on what offensive things we might be saying on our blogs and what we hope to achieve by saying them. If the writer's goal is to take a stand to be part of something that will be unpopular with many I think the consideration needs to be made in regard to what risks are involved for future marketing goals. Of course if what they write is related to the stance they are taking then voicing it is imperative.
DeleteI'll be checking out your Wednesday post.
Lee
Actually, it's only serendipitously related.
Delete"There are some things that I'm not going to touch here because honestly I'm a bit afraid to do so. I'm not afraid because of anything I believe, but because of the ways things can be misconstrued, the refusal of those in disagreement to listen to any of the logic that I might present, and the unwillingness to engage in reasonable discussion about issues. Inciting anger against me is not my mission on this blog nor is it my mission in life. Not yet."
ReplyDeleteI wonder if that is my problem. I tell whatever on my blog, not afraid what anybody thinks. Then , in trying not to step on eggshells, someone will come along and make a deal out of something I tried hard to avoid. Seems to me its easier just to play the way you feel it, let those who get offended be offended, then you can deal with the over-the-toppers whose arguments are easily and summarily dismissed.
To my thinking it really depends on what your marketing strategy is and what your endgame is. You develop your brand and then give your audience what they come to expect from you. In my case I still have some vision of selling books in the future that are not particularly controversial so I don't want to kill my potential audience before I even try to reach them. Eventually though I will want to unleash the deeper passion to deliver the messages I feel compelled to say to the world.
ReplyDeleteI haven't found anything disagreeable in what you say, but usually we're on the same page in having at least similar beliefs if not exactly the same. I think all bloggers have to decide who they want their audience to be and then play the role accordingly.
Lee
I imagine so... I just don't have any need (not looking to publish) to hold back, other than to keep it somewhat a "family show". (How bout that, I'm doing it anyway lol)
DeleteThen I say run with your torch and set the world on fire with that which burns within you.
DeleteI try to come up with comments that I can tweet. This is one :) --just in case you were wondering. I doubt anyone was wondering but I thought I'd mention that.
Lee
My Dad was a retired officer who said he couldn't retire soon enough. He referred to issues regarding military becoming officers too. I never called my Dad a cop, because he always said, cops were cowards in uniform. (Don't tweet this one, please.) He was the last of a 'breed' in this state.
ReplyDeleteMaybe your Dad and Mr. McCarthy need to get together to trade notes
DeleteLee
Thanks for backing me up, DIXIE POLKA!
DeleteI have sometimes said that I almost have greater respect for some criminals than I do for the cops. A lot of criminals have the guts to work alone, while the cops conduct their criminal activities only because they know that their fellow thugs in blue and the Criminal Injustice System has their backs.
There ARE some good cops. I know, because I've met both of them.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
Lee - my Dad passed away Oct. 2010. He smiled at me, and then he was gone. He won't be engaging Mr. McCarthy any time soon.(smile)
DeleteYou raise some very interesting and thought provoking points and these feelings have been around for centuries. It is just now people have a better way to follow or watch another. My mom grew up in Nazi Germany and my grandfather was taken away and placed in a camp because a neighbour stated he was a Communist. After, the Russians marched in (my mom said that is when the real hell began) and another neighbour stated my Opa was a fascist and he was placed in a labour camp. He was in and out of those camps until March 1950 and then my mom snuck him out of East Germany into the West. My Oma had to lie and say he ran off with some blonde and she started divorce proceedings. She was watched very closely for 6 months. Once it felt "better" my Uncle got my Oma out. They had to be undercover for 3 years as they were illegal in West Germany. Knowing what to say and what not to say has been placed in my ear at a young age. People will do what they will for power, money or to just get off on it. It is a sad state of affairs. Now, in this day and age, I speak my mind and defend my thoughts but I know enough not to broadcast every little thing through here or facebook or wherever. I am always amazed how these "stars" write all these terrible things or take nude shots and then get all offended and upset when it gets leaked. Do they not realize how utterly stupid it is to say such terrible things or show one's bits and then place it on the net? If one puts "it" out there, better wait for some retribution. We just have to be more careful because the rumours spread faster. Now as for your BOTB song..I have n o clue ..I hear the tune "Somebody's watching me....I think it came out in the 80's.
ReplyDeleteSurveillance has literally become a highly technical science in our age. We in the U..S. don't have a real sense of the distrust and oppression that can come about due to the powers that be. Still we need to be on our guard and have some common sense about what we are putting out there about ourselves.
DeleteI'm hearing "Somebody's watching me" from this post, but that's not what the song lyrics say in the case of the song I've chosen. Not exactly at least, but in a sense.
Lee
ReplyDeleteThere's something happening here
What it is ain't exactly clear
There's a man with a gun over there
Telling me I got to beware
I think it's time we stop, children, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
There's battle lines being drawn
Nobody's right if everybody's wrong
Young people speaking their minds
Getting so much resistance from behind
I think it's time we stop, hey, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
What a field-day for the heat
A thousand people in the street
Singing songs and carrying signs
Mostly say, hooray for our side
It's time we stop, hey, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
Paranoia strikes deep
Into your life it will creep
It starts when you're always afraid
You step out of line, the man come and take you away
We better stop, hey, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
Stop, hey, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
Stop, now, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
Stop, children, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
Buffalo Springfield
Isn't it amazing what we accept as a part of 'normal life' today. Maybe we outta 'stop and look what's going down', before it's too late. Ah, never mind, it's most likely already too late and we've just accepted/allowed/maybe even asked for what we get.
We are at a point of no going back. Surveillance is now taken for granted because everybody does it.
Delete"For What It's Worth" is not my BOTB song pick, but it is a scary message that is truer today than when it first came out.
Lee
I also thought the Sting song ... especially as we're all stung by surveillance ...
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes down to the wire, we must stand by for what we believe in and say ...
I totally agree with you about standing by and for what we believe and say, but that doesn't mean we always make our thoughts public if it can harm us in some way. It really depends on the issue I think and what our backing that issue will represent on the whole.
DeleteLee
Well said, Lee.
DeleteWe all have to risk and trust to the extent that we're comfortable and in the arenas in which we feel that risk and trust is warranted. An important post, Lee.
ReplyDeleteAnd do we ever really know the true risk and trust? Appearances and what we think we know is often deceiving.
DeleteLee
There is a good thing about it, though--if you watch any of those missing persons shows like Disappeared or 48 Hours Mysteries, you see a lot of instances where they capture things on camera that help solve a case and find a missing person (or the person who captured them in the first place). Unfortunately, it's all too apparent there aren't many cameras because often they only catch them in a parking lot or in a store. Some streets have cameras now, but not as many as there should be... I do sometimes wonder if I should cover up the webcam on my laptop. I'm suddenly feeling watched!
ReplyDeleteI've heard some of those webcam horror stories where someone remotely turns them on somehow and spies on the user. Scary!
DeleteLee
When I was a teenager, I was certain that everyone was watching me. When I grew older, I knew that no one was watching me. NOW it appears that I am being watched again. It would have been more interesting for the spy to have seen me in my youth.
ReplyDeleteI know that sense I tend to watch other people that there are other people watching me as well. You just never really know who exactly is watching and why.
DeleteLee
I almost never express hot-topic or potentially controversial/polarizing views on my blog, after some very unfortunate consequences for doing just that so often on my old Angelfire site. I'm pretty surprised the post that went viral and got personal attacks in the comments was my anti-Arbonne post of all things.
ReplyDeleteOn my last trip to Israel, our tour guide pointed out the security cameras all over the Muslim Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem. He said at first, 20 years ago or so, a lot of people destroyed them, but once they realized these cameras were cutting down on crime and shoplifters, they loved the cameras and let them be.
I think there are some people on the internet who have nothing else that they can think of to do other than attack others. The internet is the domain of trolls and I have no wish to get them riled against me.
DeleteSecurity can have definite benefits, but it can be a dual edged sword.
Lee