Unsociably Social

Andrew Keen is an Internet entrepreneur who focuses on the “impact of digital technologies on 21st century business, education and society”. He has a chat show called “Keen On” and he works for many newspapers, radio stations, and television stations. In his book, Digital Vertigo, Keen is in London for the “Silicon Valley Comes to Oxford” conference. One day he spends some time alone in the middle of the city observing the preserved body of Jeremy Bentham, on display for all to see. During his time in London, Keen asks the successful social media entrepreneur, Biz Stone, what the future holds for society. Stone replies that “the future will be social”. Over the duration of Keen’s time in London he spends time reflecting on our social and virtually connected society and the implications these systems of behavior influence society. He comes to the conclusion that although more people will be virtually connected, they will actually be less social. The more information one displays of themselves, the less personal they are actually becoming:

The man who is his own image in the digitally networked world, I realized, is simultaneously everywhere and nowhere, and the more completely visible he appears, the more completely invisible he actually is.

Keen argues that as we display more of ourselves to the digital world, we actually become less in touch with our true selves because we are too caught up creating an image that we want others to see us as. Keen cautions against openness, sharing personal details of life, and extreme transparency because of the threat they pose to true happiness. Privacy and solitude are the keys to a successful and happy life:

Privacy is not only essential to life and liberty; it’s essential to the pursuit of happiness, in the broadest and deepest sense. We human beings are not just social creatures; we’re also private creatures.

As we enter into a society that is ever more digitally social, we must keep in mind the value of privacy.

As I read through the excerpt of Digital Vertigo by Keen I could not help but wonder why our generation has such a strong desire to make our lives known to the public. Are we, as individuals, so insecure to be alone that we need to be in constant communication with others? Are we afraid that if we remove ourselves from the digital sphere that we will be forgotten? Keen alludes to this when he says:

While social media, for all its superhuman ability to see through walls, might not quite guarantee immortality, its impact is certainly of immense historical significance

In reflection on this article I have come to the conclusion that I am a much happier and confident person when I am away from social media such as Facebook, email, and texting. I enjoy being by myself. Often I feel the loneliest when I am on Facebook, looking through my pictures, or my friend’s pictures. I feel disconnected from even my closest friends online due to not only the technology barrier, but also the extreme vulnerability of others knowing personal details about my life. It is interesting that Bentham’s “Inspection-House” is now the reality that the majority of the population blissfully enters into.

The app industry is allowing the “Inspection-House” to merge even more into our daily routines. There are now apps that allow you to view where all of your Facebook friends are. As seen by the interview with Chad Mureta, apps can be a very successful way to make money. But at what price? Even though a certain app could make you a lot of money, does it mean it is always ethical to create? Take for example the Breakup Notifier App. Before this app was blocked by Facebook, what message was it sending to society? It is acceptable to make money at the expense of exploiting the heartbreak of another human being? These are some important questions we need to address before so easily signing up for the virtual world.