Privacy On The Internet

I think the graphic novel, "Social Smarts: Privacy, The Internet, and You", was a very well done representation of the problems that can easily occur when we are careless with how we use the internet and digital media. People never really think about the consequences of simple mistakes that are done regularly. Especially with privacy settings and pictures or posts that people tag their friends in. You should always ask permission before you post something. It may be a joke now, but sometime down the road it can lead to some serious problems.

Passwords are also a big problem. I know that for me, I have one password that I use for everything except for two sites, because it's easy to remember, but if someone I couldn't trust discovered what that password was, I could have a big problem on my hands. I also don't have a password on my phone for some reason, I was probably just too lazy to put one on, but if I lost my phone or if it was taken, the same thing that happened to Amy in the comic would most likely happen to me too. Privacy is important and laziness or not caring is not a good attitude when it comes to it.

Everyday Privacy

This article had a lot of good points and truths about being digital tracked during our daily routines, a lot of which I already knew. I never do check in, but I know that when you do you are voluntarily giving away your location, and giving many sites and people valuable information. Everything that you do that can be related to technology in any which way possible, can and will be tracked down to you. It doesn't matter if it's just a cup of coffee. If you check in, people know where you are and what you are doing, and if the shop is smart, they will have cameras that show you were there, and what you behaviour was while you were sipping your Double Double.

I was surprised though when the author mentioned that thing about ordering books online. I'm more surprised that I had never thought of it before, because it's true and pretty obvious. When I order a novel from Chapters, they are getting my credit card number, my name, my address, my email, and probably other things that I am not even aware of, and that's kind of a terrifying thought. Look at all the information I am willingly giving away, and all I am doing is preordering the latest Harper Lee novel! Imagine how much information can be given when you are cashing a check online, or doing your finances or other important work digitally? Sure, computers and networks and the internet have made things way more efficient, but is privacy something we are willingly to give up for that?