I-Brother
1984, a novel written by George Orwell struck alarm in people of the world that complete government power is dangerous. He showed the reader that a totalitarian government can take away people's rights. Even though not as extreme as George Orwell’s novel, where no one was allowed privacy, due to constant surveillance, modern society also finds these struggles prevalent on both fronts: an over intrusive Government and the omnipresent technology induced world of publicness. “Big Brother is Watching You.” (Orwell 2). Ever heard of the Iphone? Ever been on one? Ever posted something? Ever wonder who's actually in control of it? These issues are often ignored in daily life, especially at the simplicity and easy access of technology. …show more content…
They run life now, controlling communication, work, and social media. An issue brought up in George Orwell’s 1984 was privacy, and citizens constantly being watched, monitored, and inspected for thoughts. When Orwell wrote this novel, he never dreamed of smartphones, and instead placed cameras and microphones that monitored every step Winston took. Smartphones provide this capability to the Government and all people even if they choose to ignore it. One example of giving …show more content…
Things such as webcams, patrol gadgets, and even video games are constantly in action, and are never not watching. The internet and ability for wide spread is an example of technology that takes away from one's privacy. A case at Rutgers University that resulted in a young man’s suicide is an example the travesties that can occur from this constant invasion of one’s privacy. After a roommate found a video of Tyler Clementi on a webcam, it was then posted, soon became viral, and it led Clementi to commit suicide. “In 1984, the abolition of personal space was part of an overarching government policy, but nowadays it’s often nothing more than a side effect of wired high spirits. The era of the “viral video,” when footage of some absorbing slice of life can spread overnight around the globe, is bringing out the anarchist in all of us” (Kirn). Kirn describes it well here explaining the difference of 1984 and today, but is just as scary and tormenting. Cleminti had no idea he was being watched or videoed, and instead of being free to have a private intimate encounter -- the whole world saw it, which ultimately lead to his
1984, a novel written by George Orwell struck alarm in people of the world that complete government power is dangerous. He showed the reader that a totalitarian government can take away people's rights. Even though not as extreme as George Orwell’s novel, where no one was allowed privacy, due to constant surveillance, modern society also finds these struggles prevalent on both fronts: an over intrusive Government and the omnipresent technology induced world of publicness. “Big Brother is Watching You.” (Orwell 2). Ever heard of the Iphone? Ever been on one? Ever posted something? Ever wonder who's actually in control of it? These issues are often ignored in daily life, especially at the simplicity and easy access of technology. …show more content…
They run life now, controlling communication, work, and social media. An issue brought up in George Orwell’s 1984 was privacy, and citizens constantly being watched, monitored, and inspected for thoughts. When Orwell wrote this novel, he never dreamed of smartphones, and instead placed cameras and microphones that monitored every step Winston took. Smartphones provide this capability to the Government and all people even if they choose to ignore it. One example of giving …show more content…
Things such as webcams, patrol gadgets, and even video games are constantly in action, and are never not watching. The internet and ability for wide spread is an example of technology that takes away from one's privacy. A case at Rutgers University that resulted in a young man’s suicide is an example the travesties that can occur from this constant invasion of one’s privacy. After a roommate found a video of Tyler Clementi on a webcam, it was then posted, soon became viral, and it led Clementi to commit suicide. “In 1984, the abolition of personal space was part of an overarching government policy, but nowadays it’s often nothing more than a side effect of wired high spirits. The era of the “viral video,” when footage of some absorbing slice of life can spread overnight around the globe, is bringing out the anarchist in all of us” (Kirn). Kirn describes it well here explaining the difference of 1984 and today, but is just as scary and tormenting. Cleminti had no idea he was being watched or videoed, and instead of being free to have a private intimate encounter -- the whole world saw it, which ultimately lead to his