Privacy and the Digital Image

What is the danger of uploading too much personal information onto the personal networking websites such as Facebook? One major criticism of Facebook is the lack of privacy. Every move and text that is written is publicised to all of your friends. Every move is open to scrutiny. What are the ramifications of this lack of privacy? One of the dangers of social networks is that people will unwittingly supply personal information that will be used by Facebook stalkers. However, if the Facebook user is aware of their digital image they can regulate how the social network is used.


I know that people will say “but the youth don’t think about their digital image and thus cannot regulate this private information.” If the stereotype of teenagers is a preoccupation with image, why can’t they control their digital image? The life of a teenager can at time be ruled by personal image in all aspects of their life. A lot of time and effort is put into their social networking profile. Media sceptics believe that there is a naïve culture that people are essentially good and can be trusted. Young people must be protected from the perils of the internet. I believe that young people have the ability to be sceptical of shady characters on the internet. Arseholes and stalkers are quickly sniffed out and blocked.

The internet is full of real dangers and shouldn’t be approached in a flippant or naïve way. People should be educated about the amount of personal information is digitally distributed, however, it shouldn’t be assumed that the youth do not know what is going on. It needs to be understood that online images are not something that are made flippantly. Great care is put into their construction. People are aware of the information that is provided online.