Invasion of Privacy

    Honestly, these issues hit a lot closer to home than we usually think. Every time we’re online posting photos, liking something, or just scrolling, we’re leaving little bits of ourselves out there. And it’s not just about us. It’s about our friends and family too. Stuff that feels private or like it’ll disappear can actually stick around way longer than we expect. A quick photo at a family party or a random comment online? That could pop back up years later and potentially mess with job opportunities, relationships, or how people see us. 

    It’s especially concerning for kids and teens because their whole lives are basically being documented online before they even fully understand what that means. It’s like they’re getting a "digital tattoo" from day one. That’s why it really helps to pause for a second before posting and think: Would I be okay with this still being around years from now? Also, using privacy settings, strong passwords, and being picky about which apps we trust with our info can really help keep things a little safer. 

    Catherine Crump’s talk made me think even more about this. She explains how law enforcement tracks people with things like license plate readers and cell phone records even if we haven’t done anything wrong. It’s kind of wild (and scary) to realize that just living our daily lives leaves behind a trail of data that could be stored and used, without us even knowing. This isn’t just about us as individuals, either.

    While we can’t control everything, we can push for change. We can support laws that protect our privacy, and make sure we’re holding our leaders accountable. And personally, being careful with the apps we use and regularly checking our privacy settings can help us keep a bit more control over our digital footprints. Our privacy should be a top priority, as it keeps us safe. Safety is key. 

    In addition, Darieth Chisolm talked about an important topic: revenge porn. Having private photos shared without consent is incredibly violating and traumatic. What’s even worse is that so many victims feel like they have nowhere to turn and no one to talk to about what they are going through. The government has to do better for our country's sake. We need clear laws that make this kind of abuse a serious crime, with real consequences for the people who do it. Victims should have easy, straightforward ways to get images taken down and to get justice. 

    We all have a part to play here. Before we share anything personal, we should pause and think about the impact it could have. If a friend is going through something tough, we should have their back and offer support. And when we see victim blaming happening, we need to call it out and shut it down. More than anything, we need to work together to build a culture that takes these issues seriously and stands by survivors, instead of making them feel like they’re the ones at fault.