As it's been on radio, television, the web, networks, and all other forms of electronic media, if you missed it, I want to know what sized rock you live under and the names of the other trolls you share the bridge with.
But in case you did miss it, it was announced recently, that "stuff posted on the inter-webs" has no expectation of privacy.
I AM SHOCKED!
Since I first got involved with computers and the internet, I've been aware that with all the servers, aggregators, databases, home computers, HACKERS,... that once something has been tossed to the churning seas of the 'net, it stays there. PERIOD. It floats around, constantly looking for a shore but never quite finding one. At least, not a permanent one. Because unlike a note in a bottle tossed out in a real sea, with the 'net, when someone finds the bottle, they read the note, and then toss it right back out. Sometimes copying the note and placing it in another bottle, to join the first on the never ending journey.
I guess with us "older folk", when we first got involved with computers and the 'net (online for over 9 years overall), it took a bit of money, brains, and patience, to actually get "on" and "go live". We learned about all the pitfalls and how to behave. Sometimes the hard way. And we learned quickly.
But with the increased amount of quick and easy access via social networks, cheap computers, smart phones, and what-have-you, the message is lost that the internet is NOT a private conversation, at the table, over coffee, with your best friend, coworker, colleague, mom, or whoever. It is closer to passing a note to a classmate across the classroom, with everyone along the way reading it. Then having it intercepted by the teacher (ut-oh). Or having a loud conversation in a public setting, with everyone listening in, including the person you're talking about, only globally. Like a bad rumor, if you say it, or post it, on the networks or web, even if you delete it immediately after, it is still floating out there somewhere. Things seen and heard, can't be unseen or unheard. But they can sure be repeated. And a lot of people are quick to give credit to the originator.
So, just like shouting "FIRE" in an electronic theatre, you can be held accountable. It's going to be a steep learning curve for a lot of people. There are a lot of teachers and offended people out there.
Clueless happens.
It is hard to believe that anyone has the expectation of privacy once they put something on the internet. Where are there brains?
Posted by: martie | July 20, 2012 at 05:59 PM