Cyber Shy


If you're uncomfortable about the idea of Facebook, Google, etc. learning about you, your interests, or recording your online behavior, you might be shy. Conventionally shy people (in physical contexts) will prefer situations where they are not observed, or else will wish their public presence goes unnoticed. In virtual contexts, shy users will desire anonymity. In any case, the tendency of a shy person to blame the context they are in is maladaptive, and stokes anger toward bystanders. Facebook might acknowledge that you engage with certain types of content, and harmlessly infer that "maybe you like cats"--this is hardly threatening your livelihood. I would anticipate the same inference from actual people who spent much time around me in person--no, I would be offended if they were so indifferent as to not infer anything about me at all. Consequently I would find it distasteful for artificial intelligence to be so apathetic as to not bother getting to understand its users.


Comments

  1. UnknownOctober 25, 2020 at 10:01 AM

    I really like what you're thoughts here. Most people wouldn't think of something like being cyber shy, but I agree that it is possible to be cyber shy. I feel like in today's world it's harder to be able to stray away from social media, and keeping yourself a secret on the internet. But there are different laws being passed to help you achieve that if you so desire.

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