I’m not sure when this attitude of entitlement came into being, though if I had to pinpoint it I would say it came into fashion not long after the rise in popularity of reality television and the increase of social media outlets. Even celebrities are sharing more and more of their private life. They are increasingly viewed as a brand rather than a human being with a work life and private life. How relevant is it, really, that Tiger Wood’s cheated on his wife? It’s a dick move no question, but the vast majority of us do not have a personal relationship with him. He certainly isn’t the first person to cheat, why should be care? But I digress, this is about the average person.
For many years, I’ve been consciously keeping my personal life off the internet. I’ve shared details, but only ever under pseudonyms or avatars, nothing that could be linked to my legal name. You could search my name and you wouldn’t find anything connected to me, and I was happy about that. Then I started writing for AndroidSpin. I could have continued to publish anonymously, but I wanted to cultivate my professional credentials and to do so meant stepping from the shadows. As a result I am no longer quite so anonymous. You see it all, my Android articles, my Facebook, this blog, twitter, and more. I haven’t given up all semblance of privacy though. What you still won’t see are any photos of me.
There are certain experiences that will resonate so deeply in a person, knowledge gained will stay with that person the rest of their life. One of those for me was seeing the Operation Lifesaver demonstration as a child. Witnessing crash after crash was enough to ingrain in me a fear of ever attempting to cross a flashing rail crossing. Even if the train is at a dead stop I’m extremely hesitant to pass. Similarly, it is the old internet meme of the Chinese boy that has instilled a paranoia of ever putting a photo online.
Every person, no matter their popularity or status, is entitled to personal privacy which they may share as they see fit. For those who treat their life as an open book, I applaud you. You’re a much braver person than I. Like Mr. Shepherd, I will continue to reserve aspects of my life that will only be known by those close to me. For those who choose to disrespect personal boundaries; well, I guess that makes you a dick of the worst variety.