|
The digital age didn't just suddenly make personal info available to the masses. Much of the info being talked about was available before the internet, it just took more effort to find it. The public library was a great source if you needed to find someone's address or phone number. Sure, the info wasn't at your fingertips like it is now, but the info was there if you took the time and knew how to use a Haine's cross-reference. Public records could be requested via legitimate channels, and were mailed to your home.
We used to send personal checks through the mail...checks with account numbers and routing numbers clearly showing, for anyone to see. Checks had addresses and phone numbers, and even social security numbers printed on them. We handed credit cards to waiters who disappeared into back rooms with them. Store receipts had the entire credit card number printed on them. My online bill pay through my bank is much more secure than the post office.
Some of the motivations for wanting privacy don't make sense to me. We had a couple of families leave our church, because the membership/regular attendance directory was made available online. The print version has always been available to anyone who walked through the doors of the building. The option to not include your phone number, email, or even address, was always a choice.
I love the convenience of this digital age. My cell phone functions as an address book, calendar, cookbook, ebook reader, shopping tool, communication center, bank, gaming system, planner, photo album, entertainment device, road atlas, file cabinet, etc. The little bit of "privacy" I may have given up doesn't bother me.
|