Blog #3: TED Talk Reflection

The Internet Exposes Humans

The internet has made communication more convenient, but convenience does not ensure safety and privacy. Growing up, adults always advised me to be aware of what I post, search, share, and say on the Internet because it will stay with me forever. I find that many adolescents and young adults are vulnerable and must understand the importance of keeping their digital footprint clean from a young age. 

When one thinks they have full control and privacy when they are browsing, playing games, sharing location, or posting on the Internet, there may be many eyes or databases tracking what they are doing. In my opinion, we must inform younger generations of the precautions and safety tactics that need to be taken before using the Internet. 

Laws Beyond Borders

In his TED Talk, "Juan Enriquez encourages people to pay attention to what they are doing online because they are being tracked behind the scenes. Enriquez says, "How else can you threaten, other than death? An electronic tattoo." While some people may look past this and think it is just a theory Enriquez has, there is proof that Meta is tracking individuals web activity, violating their privacy and safety. Both Enriquez and Andy Yen, another TED Talk speaker, recognize that data and privacy will outlive humans. 

In our society, the word privacy has a new meaning because new generations are being taught to share everything online. I argue there should be government policies protecting our online privacy and safety. Internet has become the way people live their daily lives through communication. Privacy needs to become more accessible, not only in the United States but internationally. There are situations where people need to be protected beyond borders. 

Darieth Crisholm, a TV personality, experienced an unfortunate stalking case where her ex-boyfriend from Jamaica photographed and shared explicit photographs of her online. In her Ted Talk, she explained how the Internet is international and the government needs to enforce online safety laws beyond borders. I agree that our government in the United States needs to enhance our online privacy laws and expand these laws internationally. 

Protecting Ourselves

While generations are now being taught to share everything online, privacy needs to become more accessible. Most individuals have a wide variety of personal information online, but there are ways to prevent this. If individuals learn to keep their accounts private, to use different passwords for all accounts, to search with safe browsers, and to use encryption to protect e-mails, their online lives will be safer and more private. 

These TED Talk speakers shared many different reasons to take precautions online. Whether one is texting their friends, posting online, or working on a school assignment, there are databases tracking what individuals are doing online. It is time for individuals to start considering and researching how to protect their private information on the Internet. Ultimately, I believe future generations should be taught precautions to take online from a young age before it is too late.