Finding Privacy in a Glass House Generation

Glass House Generation.

It’s hard to find privacy in a glass house. Think about it. Hiding is impossible with transparent walls. However, onlookers can only see us for as much as we are willing to show them. Socialnomics author Erik Qualman put it best when he wrote that “with social media, the world is one gigantic glass house.” He’s right.

Facebook + Privacy?

Let’s take a look at Facebook. The social media site has made headlines over the years for its controversial views on privacy. Most recently, many users are not too thrilled about Facebook placing suggested ads in our news feeds because of where they got the information to suggest the ads to begin with. Through Facebook’s Open Graph, a cross-platform tool that connects people to websites and applications across the Internet, Facebook is able to suggest ads based on the sites we visit, companies we ‘Like,’ and even past purchases. Personally, I think this cuts down on search time and stress and allows us to utilize the time we would’ve spent researching products more efficiently, but others think this is an intrusion into their privacy.

Hulu, They Just Get It.

The way I look at it, Facebook is simply saying “okay, since we must have ads in here to make money, we might as well show people ads that they would like.” Hulu has taken a similar approach with their advertising. When you watch a show on networks like Xfinity (sorry Comcast), there are minimally 6 commercial breaks with at least 4-5 minutes of commercials. That’s roughly a half hour of commercials for an hour-long episode! Hulu’s 30-second ads are more on my patience level, and I love when I am given the option to watch a longer ad at the beginning of the program in order to forego any other advertisements. Additionally, Hulu asks you if the ads are relevant (pictured in the image to the right), and if you select “No,” you won’t have to see that ad ever again. Bottomline: while a little less “forward” than Facebook, Hulu’s ads are relevant to you, but more importantly, they are brief.

A Craving for Brevity.

We live in a fast-paced world full of people who want things quick and simple; they crave brevity. Where conversations, in person or online, used to span hours, thanks to social media, the Internet moves on from a conversation within minutes and it can be hard to keep up. However, we have developed mechanisms such as using hashtags on Twitter or tagging someone in a conversation on Facebook that allow users to immediately tune-in to conversations with just one click. The downside to this for some people is that when we do # or tag our friends into a conversation, anyone in our network and our tagged friend’s network can see the content; it becomes transparent.

Living in a Schizophrenic World.

For many, the concept of social media transparency is an issue because it shows everyone who we are to everyone else. Did I lose you? What I mean is that we live in a schizophrenic world: we put on an appropriate facade depending on the social situation we’re in and what we feel is expected of us. Don’t try to deny it. You know you’re not the same person with your parents as you are with your girl or guy friends, and you definitely speak your mind a little more loudly with your friends than at your office. It’s not that we become different people, we just tap into different pieces of ourselves depending on what the situation calls for, and that’s ok. The problem here is that social media is directed at everyone, so who exactly are you supposed to be when you use it? The reserved office worker or the wild-partier that you are with your friends?

Behind Transparent Walls.

We have the ability to share anything we want on social media: our thoughts, our photos, updates on our lives, interests, relationships, and so on. But when we do so from behind transparent walls, it can be hard to figure out exactly what we feel comfortable putting out there; or rather, what’s appropriate to share. So you see, social media is not a place where we can take our secrets and hide them behind the privacy of our walls at home. Social media really is one gigantic glass house, with very transparent walls.

So what will you share from your glass house? Do you feel like Facebook invades your privacy with suggested ads? What about tagging your friends in conversations or photos and knowing everyone in both of your networks can see the content? Is that intrusive as well?

Sound off in the comments below!

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