Privacy in the 21st Century

When looking at privacy in the 21st century one has to look at all of the risks associated with new technological advances. Personally, I find that the severity of how little privacy we actually have in the 21st century is very little. After taking a closer look at social media corporations such as, Facebook, Google+, MySpace, etc., they are all going to sell the our information that they are gathering from us. Additionally these corporations are selling our information, without taking into consideration how it will affect us. In my opinion, I would like to see our government or the parties responsible to protect our privacy do a much better job. Technology has advanced so fast, that we have not been given the opportunity to take into consideration, how technology will affect our privacy. Personally, I love technology and have nothing against the exponential rate that it is growing, but at the same time, I want my privacy, and above all else hope that my children will be able to retain their own privacy as we turn a chapter on the unknown effects of social media.

Today it seems as if we need to monitor and pay for our privacy. An example, you visited the emergency room last month and think that your co-pay covered the hospital visit, but then you get a call one evening and someone on the other line says "We regret to inform you that your reimbursement was not enough to cover our fees (based on our agreement with your HMO) since it is a legal gray area that medical offices cannot enforce or penalize you for making up the difference. To make up the difference, a number of hospitals have started selling patient records to medical researchers and consumer marketing firms. Rather than mimic this distasteful behavior, we have decided to ask you to help us make up the difference. We are recommending a tax-deductible contribution or $275 to help defray the cost of your visit." (Garfinkel S., 2000) Now you to decide if the services rendered during your visit is something you wish to share and let be used however they choose.

We are entering a new era even if we do not realize it. Everything we do is being recorded. When we go to the grocery store and make a purchase, it is being documented. When we go online and book a reservation, it is being logged, what we search on the internet is being monitored. Even our medical records are kept in some database which is shared with your insurance provider, to help them adjust rates. Our information is being shared with businesses that want to make money off us. Instead why not share our information with someone that will help keep our privacy safe? The amount of data surveillance is unprecedented and without recourse.

There are cameras everywhere we go, in grocery stores, gasoline stations, banks, work, schools, stop lights, freeways, libraries, etc. Some of these cameras have face recognition technology. The cameras are only one way that you are being watched. This is what our future