Journal 45 Spying Devices, Women's Day
Hello girls! Did you have a nice week?
Things have been so crazy in the world lately, huh? I feel like every morning, all I want to do is get up, have coffee, and hang out with my family for a little bit. I like to greet the day peacefully and start on a good note.
But nowadays my peace can’t last more than a few minutes before I somehow see something disturbing through the internet, even if I avoid my phone, my tablet, and my computer. Even if I don’t go on the internet, other family members do, and there is constant communication.
After the morning, I try to go on YouTube, but now the algorithm gives me such strange stuff that it feels like going on social media. It never recommends any of the videos I would like and have to work hard to find. In the past, I would do chores or work with a quiet YouTube video, but I feel like those days are gone. YouTube videos are just not the same anymore. Alphabet, the corporation, had millions of people who made videos, many purely for the joy of it, while it profited, and somehow this was a bad thing that needed to get changed?
I’m so tired of wondering how and how much information corporations are getting from me. What do they do with that information? Do they just want to sell me things or influence me? I’m especially tired of questioning if I even have to worry about saying something out loud when there is a device in the room. The other day, my partner orally mentioned buying shoes from x store without searching for x store or going on its app. The next morning, we get adds for shoes from x store. What the heck?! And curiously, why do algorithms only provide viable entertainment recommendations on Saturday night?
I like computers. I really like my iPad and my art apps. My childhood video games are special to me, and I have enjoyed playing cute mobile games on the toilet. There were times when I was so stressed that those games probably saved my colon. Growing up, tech was always so fun and new tech was always cool. One could be subversive and naughty with tech, great for a teenager. But now, it is harmful and dangerous, not naughty and fun, and neither parents nor kids have control over the situation. But to worry more about creeps or about the app itself?
For a long time now, it just hasn’t been worth it. I think the internet has been dead for about ten years. I try to hope for its original potential. Now it feels like I use it just because it’s where my favorite content is, my family uses it, and I am forced to use it to access services. It is sad that even professionals are being driven to the point of not enjoying computers and programming anymore. I feel sad not using the devices and apps I really liked. People worked hard to design that hardware and software!!! My devices and digital creations are meaningful and have happy memories.
Contemporary innovation also sucks. Before, when there was a new device, everyone was excited and wanted to try it. Now, when a new device comes out, all I worry about is the thousand-page-long legal mystery of things to worry about, like what they are going to do with my information, or how the terms and conditions will change suddenly and silently and harvest my freaking --I don’t know– neurosexual subatomic kinetic energy signature. I made that up but it’s probably either already implemented or in the works.
I don’t want this!
This is nuts! I do not consent!
Then night comes, and the drones are still flying! So I am observed inside my house on the devices, probably including the new WiFi-enabled appliances, and observed outside from the street and the sky. I go to the street, and there is a traffic cam. I go to the store, and there are cameras. This is too much. I can understand the crucial stuff, but it sucks to be sandwiched in all this surveillance. Do I need to live in a lead box?
Thank you for reading my rant. It has just been overwhelming lately.
I also want to say, happy belated Women’s Day! May all females be healthy, happy, safe, loved, and appreciated.
Please have a terrific week!
Asya