In the digital age of today, technology is available to people in new ways to link, relate and record their lives. But it has also opened opportunities for misuse and exploitation. A recent outrage over a content creator demonstrates how faith can be easily shaken when technology is employed mindlessly. There are now discussions about privacy and respect as well as the use of digital and other tools.
A YouTuber, reportedly, was seen secretly recording female encounters on the internet using smart glasses in public spaces. He reportedly brought them into malls and other social places, asking them to accompany him to private locations. Since such recordings were recorded without proper consent people have serious concerns about privacy violation and exploitation. It is this fact that makes the situation less about one individual’s conduct than it is the broader problem of how technology can be misused in harm to people.
Wearable cameras and smart glasses devices are supposed to make life more and more fun. But when used without transparency, they’re easily transformed into means of exploitation. To record something without the person’s knowledge or consent is a breach of trust and respect. It's one of those events that demonstrates the necessity to regulate and monitor the use of such tools when they come into contact with personal relationships and vulnerable communities.
Respect is the crux of this issue. The dignity of every single person should not be compromised, irrespective of culture or background. To commodify others for work or personal gain is farce. But it also raises issues surrounding internet accountability, wherein the lines between private and public life grow ever-flattening.
It’s a lesson of technology’s proper use. In human relationships, online and off, our interactions should involve a basic respect, consent and honesty. Society has to realize the dangers of cyber victimisation and work toward making defenses better for the vulnerable. The ultimate lesson for that digital age is clear: we must never allow progress in technology to sacrifice human dignity.
