Confined to a wheelchair after an accident, a news photographer
spends his time watching the occupants of neighboring
apartments through a telephoto lens and binoculars.
He becomes convinced that a murder has been committed.
(A basic synopsis of the movie ''The Rear Window'' directed
by A. Hitchcock)
Spending a lot of time in waiting rooms I have noticed that
although there is often a TV-screen one could look at to make
the time pass, often it seems I am the only one doing so.
99% of the time everyone else seems to have their eyes
firmly fixed to their phone screens.
These days, ''snooping'' on others is easy.
By the click of a ''button'' we are given access to other
peoples lives. Then again, how true the information we are
given access to is, well, that's another thing altogether.
Shows like ''Ridiculousness'' and ''Catfish'' for example
are just a few examples of what some of us are willing
to do just to grab some attention and or a few seconds of notoriety.
No snooping needed it seems, every day millions of images
are willingly posted by us on different platforms.
Seems that a lot of us somehow feel compelled to want to share
what we eat, drink, do, say, believe, like, look like, deal with,
experience, feel, etc. etc. etc. with others.
But here's the thing that I struggle with: whatever is posted on the internet
can be trifled with. As far as I can ascertain, there no longer is
any privacy on the internet. Whether words or images, with a bit of
''know how'' all can be edited.
For example:
Here you are proudly posting images showing your weight loss
only to discover that instead of positive feedback some
nasty people have taken it upon themselves to hurl
abusive and hurtful negative words at you.
Not only that, someone has edited in ''Fathead'' across
your image.
Everyday there are schoolchildren bulling and shaming each
other mercilessly all across the globe.
Everyday there are adults bulling and shaming each
other mercilessly all across the globe.
Everyday there are people hiding in the shadows
stalking and preying on vulnerable people all across
the globe.
How many times in history has originally good ideas through
time and in the hands of mischievous people turned out to
open up the possibilities for innumerous acts of crime,
corruption, and all manner of misconduct?
May I suggest that as soon as someone has come up with
a great idea someone else comes up with an idea on how to make
money from that idea and so the corruption begins.
''Let's create a way for people to communicate with loved
ones and friends where ever they are.''
''Oops, how do we keep it private so that others can't
access the communication?''
''Let's make it possible for people to share their photos
with their families and friends.''
''Oops, how do we stop others from accessing those photos?''
''Let's make it possible for people to make comments without
having to disclose their identity.''
''Oops, how do we prevent people from making untrue and
hurtful comments?''
''Let's make it possible for people to do their banking and
other businesses' on the internet.''
''Oops, how do we stop people from accessing other peoples
bank accounts and private businesses?''
''Let's make it possible for people to have all their important
and private information on their smart phones.''
''Oops, maybe this wasn't such a good idea. What if someone loses
their phone or it gets stolen?''
Often it is only in hindsight that we are able to fully understand
the potentials and or possible ramifications of new ideas.
Coal, good then......not now. Oil, good then.....not now.
Plastics, good then...not now.
After having watched a lot of documentaries on the more
shady aspects of what goes on on the internet I can't help
but wonder if perhaps we should not perhaps be a bit
more cautious about our use of it.
It may make some things way easier and more convenient
then doing things ''old school'' but perhaps making things
easier and more convenient may also make doing some things
more precarious.
Maybe one day we will say:
Technology, good then.....not now.
I mean, how many people must have their lives destroyed
by hackers and trolls before we decide to have a deep and
profoundly honest look at where it is actually taking us.
''The Internet gave us access to everything, but it also
gave everything access to us.''
(James Veitch)
about the image: acrylic on paper
No comments:
Post a Comment