1984 blog

In 1984, technology is used everywhere to control everything that people do. Because it was everywhere, technology was able to control people with fear as people were too afraid to have any free thought or take any action that was considered illegal. The government had telescreens that could watch what an individual was doing anytime in their homes as well as microphones to record what they were saying outside. 

For me, if I knew that my technological devices were constantly watching and listening to me, my immediate answer would be that I would stop using them as much and be more careful when they are around. I would notice that my phone was around me more often, and try to not have it with me everywhere I go. However, it is strange that we do know that our devices track us in a way, yet majority of us, including myself, don’t do anything about it. For example, I know that after we go on some websites, it can show up as an ad on YouTube or Facebook. However, I usually will just notice it, but not do anything to change being tracked. 

With the technology today, we know that Google Home and Alexa track us. Social media sees what we look at and what we like to accurately adjust the ads and content we see. The technology today collects this information to not only make sure what we see is what we want, but to also potentially give the information to other sites that want to know what an individual likes. However, a disadvantange is our privacy. Sometimes, we don’t want companies or brands to see and follow what we like, and we want to know that when we are on these sites, that we can browse with security. As society and technology advances, we are losing that privilege. People are constantly watching what we do, whether it be the news trying to see what is going on or the government listening into our conversations and online messages. I think I would give up my privacy to an extent to ensure the safety of our country. However, I also do know that we already are doing that. For example, the government tracks our conversations with people, so that if someone were to talk about something that can harm our people or our country, such as terrorist attacks, the government will know who to track down. I do not believe that we should be constantly monitored, but a certain level of being monitored is necessary for our security. For example, I think the government watches our messages and conversations in order to notice any danger, such as terrorist attacks. However, the government should not intrude more than how it is right now, or our society can become like 1984 where everything is being watched and controlled.