Internet Security: As good as it gets?

Myspace, Facebook, and Photobucket are just a few of the many social networks that have come to define a generation too technologically apt for their own good. It is not uncommon to see minors posting pictures of themselves "under the influence" for the online global community to see. When it comes down to developing an online identity, consider most to be inexperienced and oblivious to the dangers of putting their life on the line-the internet.

Wil Harris, in his article Why Web 2.0 will end your privacy, gives a simple term to what exactly Web 2.0 is: "Most people will take Web 2.0 to mean the rise of bloggers. The growth of social networking. The invention of tags and the contribution of end users to the final product. It means freedom to connect and share with your friends." From this, Web 2.0 seems like a such a remarkable, innovative creation that allows us to get connected with the outside world. This may be true, but the underlying dangers are hard to ignore. People are utilizing the web in a much different way than ever expected. Although there are no changes in software, programs, etc, people are using the internet in more advanced ways than simple research. Compared to Web 1.0, Web 2.0 seems like a dream. Web 1.0 refers to viewing and reading information on the web or using the Web for simple matters. Web 2.0 is an interactive community with hopes of opening doors and creating conversations. Getting yourself "out there" entitles the entire online community to get to know you better than you would like. Without giving an earnest thought, some users post vital information such as phone numbers, addresses, and brithdays; three necessities for any identity thief.

However severe this may be, the ideology behind the term "panopticon" can trigger the worst of nightmares. Panopticon, in short, is the occurrence of being continuously watched, either in conscious awareness or not. Web 2.0 has allowed people to watch users and get an inside scoop into their private lives. Although this seems scary, we all contribute to this idea of panopticon. For instance, myspace or facebook users upload pictures, videos, and write about themselves and publish them for the entire world to see. Who knows who will be keeping an eye on you.

http://www.bit-tech.net/columns/2006/06/03/web_2_privacy/
accessed 10/2/2008