The Right to Privacy as a Cornerstone of Human Individuality and Freedom?

Abstract

The second quote above might be seen as disturbingly prescient of our almost mindless modern-day acceptance and, yes, even love of many aspects of modern technology. This is in spite of the fact that manifestly and from many perspectives a significant number of these technologies are, in fact, doing us harm in the long term. Modern mass media and social media promote the idea that we cannot be happy in our spare time unless we are busy in chat rooms, on social media, inter-acting with our smart TV, etc. And with a reason. Because with each of these seemingly insignificant interactions more information can be gathered about our interests, our hobbies, and other, more personal data.

Deep human solitude is a place of great affinity and of tension. When you come into your solitude you come into companionship with everything and everyone. When you extend yourself frenetically outwards, seeking refuge in your external image or role, you are going into exile. When you come patiently and silently home to yourself, you come into unity and into belonging.

—John O’Donohue (1997) Anam Cara: Spiritual Wisdom from the Celtic World

...everything was all right. His struggle was finished. he had won the victory over himself. He loved Big Brother.

—George Orwell (1949). Nineteen Eighty-Four