Privacy, Online & Off

 What if I told you that companies, websites, corporations and even the the government are violating our privacy. The internet is the foundation of our modern society. Its created such an influence on our lifestyles and daily routines that we aren't even fazed about its impact. People are amazed at the suggested topics and websites that seem to directly adhere to what they're looking for but in reality these websites and large companies are collecting, analyzing, and processing all of our information. 

In today's digital world online privacy has become a major concern for me, my friends and my family. We spend so much time online weather it be doing schoolwork or just scrolling that we forget how much personal information we are sharing. If private information is leaked we are more prone to theft, scams, identity fraud, and stalking. As a teenager and college student who grew up with social media and access to the internet this can be very scary if the right precautions aren't taken. Although my generation has a slight advantage knowing that these risks can occur, the older generations are more susceptible to falling victim to this behavior. In addition younger children don't fully understand privacy risks which create safety concerns.    

As privacy becomes a big concern the government plays a large role in protecting individuals and families. With so much of our personal information being collected, stored, and shared, stronger protection needs to be put in place to ensure safety in the digital world. The government should be more open about the information they are using and what they are using it for. Instead of being buried in small print, privacy and information-use policies on social media platforms should be clearly bolded and presented with prominent headings.  

We can protect ourselves from invasions of privacy by being more intentional about what we share online and who has access to our private information. Regularly checking and adjusting privacy settings on social media can limit unnecessary data collection. As well as using strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication adds extra layers of security. While total privacy isn’t realistic, small habits can be crucial and reduce how much personal data is being collected and used.

Eight Values of Free Expression

Freedom of expression is one of the most important rights we have, and it plays a huge role in shaping both individuals and society as a whole. It gives people the ability to share their opinions, express their beliefs, challenge ideas, and show who they truly are without fear of punishment. In class we talked about different scholars and people who have explained why free speech matters in different ways. These ideas come together as the Eight Values of Free Expression. These values show that free expression is about much more than just speaking freely; it’s about developing identity, building confidence, and contributing to society. Out of all eight values, the one that connects to me the most is Individual Self-Fulfillment because it has had a direct impact on my personal growth, confidence, and future career goals.

The value that resonates most with me would be Individual Self-Fulfillment for three main reasons:

1. Growing up, I was extremely shy and had a hard time expressing myself. I would often stay quiet and keep my thoughts to myself because I was nervous about saying the wrong thing or being judged. I avoided speaking up and didn't feel confident talking in front of people. Looking back I realize that staying quiet prevented me from fully understanding who I was. When I turned four, I started dancing, which became a turning point for me. Through dance, I was able to express myself in a different way. I quickly made friends who pushed me out of my comfort zone and encouraged me to be more outgoing. Looking back, this connects to the idea of Self-Fulfillment. Being able to express myself not just through speech but through art and movement as well has taken a huge part of developing my identity. Dance gave me confidence to find my voice and be more comfortable with who I am.
2. As as a sophomore in college, self expression is a huge part of my experience at High Point University. The transition from high school to college was honestly a fresh start, and that meant the way people saw me was almost completely based on how I chose to present and express myself. I had to make new friends and create an impression in college because the people I'd meet don't know about my past or who I was in High School. Free expression in college gave me they ability to create my own identity and put myself out there to form new friendships and participate in class.  
3. Individual self-fulfillment has also influenced my academic and career decisions. As a Social Media and Digital Communications major, I am constantly thinking about how pwoplw present themselves online. Social media and branding are all modern forms of self-expression. Every post communicates something about a person or organization. In many ways it reflects my own journey. Learning how to use expression as a tool for confidence and connection. I hope that throughout this career path, I can help others share their voices and tell their stories in meaningful ways.