Worried About Reputation

Genevieve Bell discounts privacy concerns:

Privacy was a big issue a decade ago. Today, people are more worried about reputation. We tested people with future scenarios, such as if your smart television could update your Facebook page about what you're watching. No one liked it. People said things like, "My girlfriend put the show on and left the room" or "I've only ever watched it once". We talk about the content we watch as part of who we are. One of the biggest anxieties we have about these technologies is that they reveal what we're really up to – what dreadful dorks we are.

Alexis Madrigal wonders "if privacy policy advocates could score points by hitting the reputation button, even if they have greater concerns." I'm not sure I buy the distinction. The whole point of privacy is reputation, i.e. a zone where you can be free to do what one wishes without the scrutiny of strangers who do not and cannot know the full you. The end of that privacy is a much bigger deal than many think. When even a congressman's member is available for all to see instantly, when small failings or petty flaws or silly mistakes become defining acts for complex human beings, we have altered our social reality.

One response is to hide from public view entirely. Another is to recognize that we are all exposed now, embrace it and even flaunt your awful and wonderful traits for the world to see. Hence Facebook. And hence reality television.