Releasing Information Into The Void

While looking through the new books at the library, I happened upon a slim volume with a simple title-- Privacy by Garret Keizer.

I've heard people say, " I'm a private person."  Or " Can't I have any privacy?" In a society where we are surrounded by technology the meaning of private or privacy is forever altered.

As of this moment I've not opened the book because I'd like to wrestle with my own thoughts about privacy.

Google someone's name and find that there are citations allowing you to find out where they live, how old they are, and for a few dollars more other information is available.

You can even find a map leading to the person's house.

I googled my name and was astounded by all the citations—blog posts, pictures, paintings—and I never sign my name to anything. I use a pen name.

I guess the moment you go onto the internet you give up all pretensions of having any privacy—whatever you posted is available. How is it that things are attributed to my name when I don't list my name?

The internet simply releases information into the void and 'tis captured by anyone with a computer. Perhaps it's time to retreat into a notebook and the use of a pen or to acknowledge that too often the private is public.

Now I'll read the book and find out the dire consequences of the abridgment of privacy.